Work begins on £20m travel improvement scheme

Councillor Philip Price (right) said the scheme would deliver better surfaces and make the route safer

Work has started on a £20m road improvement scheme in Herefordshire, delivered as part of the government's Levelling Up Fund.

The Holme Lacy Road scheme in Hereford has been costed at £19.9m, with the council suggesting it will make a "real difference" to everyone who uses the route.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said the finished project would positively affect "everyone who uses Holme Lacy Road, whether by car, bike or on foot".

He said: "We're delivering better surfaces, safer crossings and more space for walking and cycling, giving people the choice to travel in a way that best suits them."

The scheme will upgrade the stretch of Holme Lacy Road from Oak Crescent to the Thorn Business Park junction.

Herefordshire Council said improvements included:

• Resurfaced carriageways

• Safer pedestrian crossings to support walking and local access

• Raised tables and high-friction surfacing to reduce vehicle speeds

• Dedicated cycle lanes and quiet zones for cyclists

• Widened shared spaces for cyclists and pedestrians

• A new junction at Holme Lacy Road/Chestnut Drive/Hoarwithy Road with traffic signals

• A shuttle system for vehicles at the railway bridge to ease congestion and give pedestrians and cyclists more space

'The spinal route for cycling'

Mr Price added: "The scheme will enhance travel choices to Skylon Park, the Hereford Enterprise Zone and the wider Rotherwas area.

"Holme Lacy Road will become the spinal route for cycling to the south of the river, linking in with other routes to ensure movement is possible in all directions allowing safe passage from the residential zones to the employment zones and in towards the town."

Work is planned to be completed in phases to minimise disruption, with the full scheme expected to be finished by next winter.