Council appoints contractor to begin delivery of Hereford Bypass

Herefordshire Council has appointed the contractor to undertake detailed design and early technical work for the first phase of the Hereford Bypass, paving the way for construction to begin by December this year.

Graham, a civil engineering and construction firm, has been awarded the contract following a comprehensive tender process launched last year, and will work on the project, which will see a new road linking the A49 and A465 to the south-west of Hereford.

AtkinsRéalis will support Graham as multi-disciplinary design partner, providing detailed design including highways, civil, structural and environmental services.

A further tender process will see the final construction contract being awarded in the summer.

The new 3.6km single‑carriageway road will link the A49/Ross Road–Rotherwas Access Road roundabout with the A465 Abergavenny Road and provide a connection onwards to the B4349 Clehonger Road. The scheme includes a series of underpasses and structures, including a new bridge over the Hereford-Newport railway line, to maintain regional and local access, and provision for walkers, cyclists, equestrians and wildlife.

As set out in the Statement of Reasons published in December 2025, Phase One is expected to deliver a range of standalone transport, environmental and economic benefits. The scheme provides the first direct route between the A49 and A465, enabling all traffic, including freight, to avoid congested urban routes in South Wye, with reduced flows anticipated on key corridors such as the A49(T), A465, Belmont Road, Ross Road, Holme Lacy Road, Walnut Tree Avenue and several rural roads southwest of Hereford. This reduction supports improvements to air quality, noise levels and conditions for walking and cycling.

The new road also improves access to the Hereford Enterprise Zone (HEZ) by reducing journey times and improving journey time reliability between the A465 and the HEZ, helping to address current transport constraints that limit economic and employment growth. In addition, the scheme supports wider Local Transport Plan objectives by easing congestion, improving network resilience and delivering environmental enhancements including new wildlife crossings, drainage infrastructure, landscape mitigation, habitat creation and hedgerow planting. Phase One is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure said: "For too long, congestion and limited connectivity have held our county back. Bringing Graham on board means we are now firmly moving from planning into delivery. Completing Phase one of the Hereford Bypass is expected to deliver immediate benefits, including reduced traffic in South Wye neighbourhoods, improved access to the Enterprise Zone and enhanced network resilience. The route already has planning permission and forms the essential southern anchor for the full bypass.

"Early contractor involvement is essential for a project of this scale and complexity. Graham's experience in delivering major infrastructure schemes will help ensure a robust, buildable design, smoother approvals and a clear pathway to construction. This is a strong and decisive step forward."

The appointment follows Cabinet's approval of the "Procurement Strategy for the Hereford Western Bypass - Phase 1", which recommended a two‑stage approach using a PCSA to accelerate delivery, reduce risk and ensure best value. The strategy also endorsed the use of a mini‑competition through an established framework to secure a contractor with the right expertise and experience.

The PCSA is valued at £1,859,960 with work scheduled to lead into a full construction contract later in the year, subject to final design completion, governance and budget approvals.

Graham will now work with the Council and its professional services partner, AECOM, to refine the design, progress third‑party approvals and prepare the scheme for construction. A further Cabinet decision will be taken later in 2026 to award the full construction contract.