Council to consider protecting eastern city bridge corridor

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Monday, 8 July 2019 07:14

By Carmelo Garcia - Local Democracy Reporter

Herefordshire Council is expected to consider proposals to protect a corridor for a bridge to the east of Hereford.

The council passed a motion in March asking leaders to consider options for a full city ring road and ensure that an eastern bridge corridor was protected.

The idea was that this would form part of the local authority’s forthcoming core strategy review which will set out the vision for future development in the county.

Now, papers published ahead of next week’s full council meeting say the new administration is preparing a response to the motion and will publish it shortly.

Councillor Jim Kenyon, who has campaigned for extra bridges to solve Hereford’s traffic woes, says one to the east of city is vital.

“I’m really pleased this is being considered,” he said.

“An eastern city bridge will really help alleviate traffic congestion in Hereford.

“Although it won’t open up land for development but it is something that will be used by many drivers.

“All It needs is to cross the river from Rotherwas and go as far as the Ledbury Road.

“I believe that would clear around 20% to 25% of traffic that uses the Greyfriars Bridge.

“It would be a city solution to the city issue of congestion.

“Any new bridge should be done in conjunction with electric buses and other measures like cycle lanes which will give people options for how to travel around the city.

“It will boost the economy and will be extremely useful for the Enterprise Zone at Rotherwas and will take pressure off the Holme Lacy and Mordiford bridges which are used as the unofficial bypass rat run.”

The council’s new administration is expected to give a formal response to the motion shortly.

The issue will be debated at next the full council meeting at Shire Hall.