Herefordshire Council plans to launch the tender in September for the 3-year works contract covering construction of the link between the A49 and A465.

The revived scheme, previously paused in 2019, has now been rebranded as Phase 1 of the 8km Western Bypass and is being pushed ahead by the council’s cabinet.

Consultant AECOM has been appointed to lead design development and procurement preparation.

The contract is expected to include some contractor-led design elements, alongside civil construction.

Work is scheduled to start in January 2026 and run through to the end of 2028.

The council has earmarked £30m towards construction and already approved a £10.3m spend for development work, including £1.79m in consultant fees.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust has raised concerns about environmental impacts on the River Wye and surrounding habitats, warning that the route cuts through sensitive grassland and woodland areas.

Despite previous opposition, the council is pushing ahead with a full business case and intends to seek government support to help fund the full bypass in future phases.