Herefordshire Council is replacing the traffic signal system at the Commercial Road and Blueschool Street junction as part of ongoing investment in improving traffic signals around the city centre.

The existing system is being replaced with modern, more reliable equipment to help keep traffic moving through this busy part of the city and reduce the risk of faults causing disruption.

The work will take place from 12 October to 4 December 2026, and the junction will remain open to traffic for the majority of the essential works. However, while the permanent traffic lights are being physically replaced, temporary three-way traffic signals will control traffic through the junction.

Importantly, daytime road closures will be needed on 20 and 21 October, between 7am and 5pm, on Union Street, to allow specific elements of the work to be carried out safely. Diversion routes will be signed.

The junction improvements will include:

• Replacement of the existing traffic signal equipment
• Modern vehicle detection technology to help the signals respond more effectively to traffic
• Improvements to pedestrian crossings
• Repairs and upgrades to associated equipment and infrastructure.

The new system will provide a more reliable and resilient way of managing traffic at a junction used by large numbers of vehicles, buses, pedestrians and other road users every day.

The Commercial Road improvements form part of wider work to modernise traffic signals around Hereford city centre. Further work is also planned at the Station Approach and Stonebow Road junctions. Where possible, these additional works will be carried out outside the busiest periods to minimise disruption.

Herefordshire Council would like to thank residents, local businesses and motorists for their understanding and cooperation during these essential roadworks. The council would ask road users to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time, particularly at busy periods.

Updates on the works, including any changes to traffic management arrangements, will be shared through the Herefordshire Highways social media channels:

X: https://x.com/HfdsStreets

Herefordshire Council's website

And this interactive map.