THE western bypass for Hereford could be built by 2025 and the potential area for the route has been highlighted.

Herefordshire Council is holding a consultation on the Hereford Transport Package, which includes the bypass, and the Hereford Area Plan, which is the neighbourhood plan for the city and includes subjects such as the university, houses and jobs.

A map for the proposed bypass shows where the road could potentially go, with the new river crossing to the west of Broomy Hill.

There is a corridor which the council has highlighted which varies in size depending on the sensitivity of the area, and different road routes will be suggested within the corridor.

Cllr Philip Price, cabinet member for infrastructure, said: "We have been talking about a bypass for Hereford for 50 years. It has come and gone. It started up on the western side, then the eastern side was turned down at appeal in the later 80s.

"Since then we have been working on how we can get everything together to deliver a bypass.

"We have already chosen the corridor for the western bypass."

He said there will be issues within the corridor highlighted, regarding heritage, ecology or who owns the land, but he said that is why they want residents to give their views in the consultation.

Cllr Price said: "Having got all this together we will start to look at the options where the road will go."

He said at this moment in time they cannot say they will definitely receive the funding but he said the Midlands Connect Project has listed it as an early priority. He said they expect to get funding in the next round of the government's road investment strategy.

Cllr Price said: "Personally I will say we will have built it by 2025."

The council would then look to link the road from the A49 north of Hereford to the A413 Worcester Road.

He said the western route is part of the The Strategic Road Network, whereas the eastern route is not included in the strategic network, and is just not an option.

Cllr Price also emphasised the importance of housing and said the western route supports the strategic housing sites. Holmer West has planning approval and is awaiting a S106 agreement.

While the Three Elms application has not been considered by the planning committee yet.

He said once the A49 is moved out of the city, they can then improve cycling and walking routes, and also public transport.

Cllr Price said: "It will be the biggest piece of road Hereford has built in one go (11km)."

The exhibition is on at The Courtyard in Hereford from today until Thursday (11am to 7pm). And will then be available to view in Hereford Library from April 11 until May 22, when the consultation ends. 

To find out more go to www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200136/travel_and_transport/721/hereford_transport_package_htp_and_hereford_are_plan_hap_consultation