Central to the campaign is a new series of films, including one featuring residents and businesses, that bring to life the challenges of life without a bypass, and the opportunities that this infrastructure could bring. Other films set out new details of Phase One and how environmental impact will be mitigated, as well as high-level proposals for the full scheme.

The films were revealed at a special event held on Wednesday 25 March. Also launched were a new brochure and website that set out in more detail some of the likely benefits of the project.

The event marked a major step in consolidating widespread support for a project designed to tackle long-standing congestion, improve connectivity, and create the conditions for jobs and economic growth across the county.

The launch of the Back the Bypass campaign comes after Herefordshire Council recently announced that a contractor has been appointed to lead detailed design and early works for Phase One of the bypass.

Phase One of the Hereford Bypass, which will connect the A465 to the A49 to the south-west of the city, is already expected to deliver significant early benefits. 

This 3km single-carriageway link would run across land between Grafton and the B4399, providing a modern, high-standard road that reduces commuter and freight traffic through South Wye residential areas such as Belmont, Walnut Tree Avenue, and Holme Lacy Road.

By tying into both the A49 and A465, Phase One will become a strategically important west-east link on the southern edge of Hereford, improving access to key employment destinations, including the Hereford Enterprise Zone.

Some of the proposed benefits for Phase One of the Scheme, include: 

• Over the next 60 years, the total financial benefits are estimated at £54–£77 million, with around £47 million coming from people and goods saving time on their journeys.
• Traffic during busy periods on the A465 is expected to drop by up to 20%, with fewer vehicles using Holme Lacy Road, Walnut Tree Avenue, and other local streets.
• Bus services expected to be more reliable, and walking and cycling likely to be safer and easier.
• Noise and pollution will also be reduced, with an estimated 4,285 tonnes less CO₂ produced over the 60 years of the appraisal period.

Phase One also provides the anchor for the full bypass, which if fully realised, will provide a new River Wye crossing and could unlock space for growth and housing. Land will become available for 150 hectares of employment land – the same size as approximately 200 standard football pitches and around 10,000 new jobs. There will be space to build up to 14,000 new homes, including affordable options once complete. 

Leader of Herefordshire Council, Cllr Jonathan Lester, said: 

“This is an exciting and pivotal moment for our county, where we can see the long-awaited plans for the Hereford Bypass start to become reality. 

“The Back the Bypass campaign is about securing the investment and government backing our county needs to grow and prosper. For too long, Hereford has been held back by a single congested route through the city. The bypass will change that – unlocking land for businesses, enabling new homes, and supporting thousands of jobs for local people.

“I invite all those who support the full completion of the project to back the bypass and unleash Herefordshire’s future.”

 

Speaking in the new Back the Bypass video, local parent Kirsty Ely-Flanagan, spoke of the environmental and health benefits as well as the improved journey times. 

Kirsty said: “I have a daughter in pre-school, and I do worry about all the heavy pollution she is breathing in. It would mean so much to my family if we could just get across the city without having to allow extra time just in case.”

While Nigel Haughton, Chair of Herefordshire-based HALCO Europe Ltd, said: “My concern for business is if a bypass isn’t built, companies will vote with their feet and move their companies out of the county. 

“If the infrastructure is improved, we will see a commitment from business-owners to more investment in the county, through job creation.”

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, Cllr Philip Price, said: 

“I’m a farmer, born and raised in the west of Herefordshire. Like so many Herefordians I’ve spent my whole life getting up at dawn, working all day to try and make a living 7 days a week and not having enough time for family and socialising.

“I know what it’s like to run a business in a remote, rural area and a difficult economy where you have to get yourself or your workers, goods or - in my case, livestock – around, against the clock.

“If we get this right, we make our county an easier, more attractive place to invest in. And we make it easier for our own residents to get around, get to work, and get on with their day without losing half their time sitting in traffic.

“I am pleased we are now making progress on this long-awaited project. Phase One, which is expected to start this winter, is expected to deliver immediate benefits when completed, including reduced traffic in South Wye neighbourhoods, improved access to the Enterprise Zone and enhanced network resilience.”

Bridge to the Future: An impression of how elements of the Hereford Bypass could look (not final designs).

Find out more about the campaign on the Back the Bypass website.