Graham has signed an initial 拢1.9m pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) for design and technical development, working with Herefordshire Council鈥檚 consulting engineer, Aecom. Graham has also appointed its own consulting engineer for the scheme, AtkinsR茅alis.
A full construction contract is set to be awarded later in the year, with construction expected to begin in December.
The long-planned Hereford Bypass will provide the first direct link between the A49 and A465 in the city, relieving congestion on roads in the south of Hereford.
Phase one is a 3.6km single carriageway linking the A49/Ross Road鈥揜otherwas Access Road roundabout with the A465 Abergavenny Road, with onward connection to the B4349 Clehonger Road.聽
The route will include several structures and underpasses, including a bridge over the Hereford鈥揘ewport railway line 鈥� a key route connecting the Midlands with South Wales.
The bypass will also enhance access to the Hereford Enterprise Zone from the A465.
Graham contracts director Andrew Henry said: 鈥淎 project of this size and scale can prove complex, so it鈥檚 great to be involved early in the process to mitigate risks and plan for success. The project represents a significant investment in the county鈥檚 future, helping to reduce congestion in the area and improve connectivity with other key regions, including South Wales.
鈥淭hrough continued collaboration with Herefordshire Council and project partners, our team will focus on developing a robust and efficient project design that will deliver long-term benefits and facilitate regional socio-economic growth.鈥�
Phase one of the Hereford Bypass is expected to complete by the end of 2028 and forms part of the wider programme to improve transport connectivity across Herefordshire.
Graham won the contract following a competitive tender process through Pagabo鈥檚 civils and infrastructure framework.
An ealier聽拢190m bypass plan in Hereford was scrapped by the council in 2021 at a cost of 拢12m. Balfour Beatty, supported by WSP, had been working on that plan.
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