Herefordshire Council has firmly rebutted recent claims suggesting that it will not receive the Government funding necessary for the Hereford bypass. The controversy followed statements by local campaign group Herefordshire Transport Alliance (HTA), which asserted that the Council’s hopes of securing funding through the Government’s five-year Road Investment Strategy (RIS) were undermined when RIS4 plans did not include the Hereford bypass.
HTA pointed out that when the Department for Transport (DfT) announced RIS4 plans on March 26, the Hereford bypass was absent from the list of schemes set for immediate funding, although 13 other projects were identified for further exploration either in RIS4 or future pipelines.
However, Philip Price, Cabinet Member for Transport at Herefordshire Council, clarified that the DfT’s statement was not a definitive list of schemes approved for RIS4 funding. He explained that the absence of the Hereford bypass from this list does not mean the project has been rejected or excluded from future consideration. The Council is actively developing the strategic outline business case for Phase Two of the bypass, focused on the western route around the city, to ensure readiness when the Government calls for proposals in upcoming investment rounds.
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In addition, the Council launched the “Back the Bypass” campaign coinciding with the RIS4 announcement. This campaign aims to present a compelling, evidence-based case to Government, highlighting the bypass’s potential economic benefits, support for housing development, and strong local backing.
Philip Price further noted that the project’s timeline hinges on the success of these efforts and political developments, but if included in the RIS4 funding period (2030-2035), progress can be made within that window.
Despite the Council’s reassurances, HTA has criticized the projected total cost of the bypass, estimating it could exceed £350 million—substantially higher than earlier figures. The group warns that this financial burden may ultimately fall on local residents through increased council tax over several decades. Environmental concerns were also raised, with HTA warning that the scheme threatens valuable natural habitats and historic landscapes. Additionally, they argue that evidence supporting the bypass’s ability to alleviate traffic congestion is insufficient, suggesting the project primarily facilitates large-scale housing developments without effectively addressing existing traffic bottlenecks.
The debate highlights the complexities involved in balancing infrastructure investment, environmental protection, and community interests as Herefordshire moves forward with its plans for the Hereford bypass.