Public Consultation
Q. Why do we need a new link road?
A. The proposed new link road represents the key to unlocking Hereford city centre. Its main role is to provide an alternative route for east-west traffic to the existing inner ring road - Newmarket and Blueschool Street. The inner ring will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly tree lined boulevard. The link road will also open up land in the northern part of the ESG area for much needed residential development - the Urban Village - and make east-west movement easier across Hereford - better access to the Hospital, railway station and colleges.
Q. So why not close the inner ring road altogether?
A. Buses still have to travel to the heart of the city as do commercial vehicles with their delivery goods - access to Maylords is crucial for integrating Hereford's existing offer with the new scheme and we have listened carefully to people's wish to keep Garrick House multi-storey car park. That needs access too and we are also keen to still allow traffic that needs to use the existing road to make journeys along the most direct route.
Q.Will the new inner ring road be safer?
A. Transforming the old inner ring road into a leafy new boulevard that is more pedestrian and cyclist friendly with lots of easier crossings will increase safety. This has been proved in many examples throughout continental Europe and more recently in the UK.
Q. What is wrong with leaving the inner ring road as it is?
A. Newmarket and Blueschool Streets currently separate the ESG area from the heart of the city. If we are to build one bigger, better city there cannot be a barrier across the middle. People need to be able to go to and from the ESG area through Maylords and the Butter Market, to High Town, Church Street and the refurbished Cathedral Close and all the surrounding areas easily. This would make the whole of the city more viable and vibrant.
Q. What will the link road look like? We don't want a 'freeway' going through the city.
A. For the most part the road will be single carriageway in both directions, only widening for turning lanes. It would also benefit from an attractive planting and landscaped scheme, creating a greened city street that would be pleasant to drive, walk and cycle along with views of City landmarks such as the Cathedral maintained.
Q. How will people cross this road if it is going to be busy with all the through traffic?
A. There would be several traffic light controlled crossings strategically located along the length of the road, with a special pedestrian crossing at the transport hub modelled on the innovative example completed recently at Oxford Circus in London. There'll also be a new route, running across the link road, between the railway station and the city centre via Blackfriars and Widemarsh Street.
Q. What about pollution from noise and fumes for the people in the new houses in the Urban Village?
A. Reducing and redirecting traffic in and around the city centre brings added benefits to the people of Hereford, resulting in less noise and air pollution on many city streets. The link road means that the current air quality problems in the city will be reduced as a proportion of traffic will be diverted.
Q. What about the exit junction at Commercial Road/Aylestone Hill ?
A. The volume of traffic travelling up Aylestone Hill would remain about the same - it would have merely travelled a different route to get there. The junction at the end of Station Approach would be much improved and access to the hospital made much easier. All emergency vehicles would be able to use this easier route around the city.
Q. If you create a bottle neck in one place - the inner ring road - there must be an extra flow of traffic elsewhere on roads other than the linkroad. Where will this deluge of traffic be and will this proposal cause more 'rat-runs' through residential areas?
A. The research undertaken illustrates that there would be slight increases in traffic flow in the surrounding area spreading out to the north and east, rather than just in one place. However, engineering and design solutions will help prevent rat-runs along side streets if these are found to be needed after the road is opened. A significant fund of £250,000 has been earmarked for this and will be utilised in consultation with the local community.
Q. What about car parking once Merton Meadow can no longer be used?
A. Once the livestock market site has been moved to Roman Road, part of the site would be used as a temporary car park to replace Merton Meadow. Other areas will be provided as the project proceeds, before they are redeveloped. Gradually, the amount of parking will be increased and redistributed closer to the city centre than it is at present.
Q. Will it be as cheap to park there as it is currently on Merton Meadow?
A. Car parking fees are set by Herefordshire Council and any decisions concerning charges would be their decision.
Q. What will happen to the businesses in the line of the link road?
A. ESG and Herefordshire Council are working very closely with those businesses affected by the link road, helping them to find suitable alternatives sites for new premises. We are also working with Business Link to ensure the relocation process is as smooth and straightforward as possible, tailoring specific requirements for each individual business.
Q. Why build houses alongside a busy main road?
A. The link road would pass through an area of land that is neglected and underutilised. Much of it is also prone to flooding which has prevented the viability of any new developments. Once ESG's flood alleviation scheme is operational this land would become available for development with access via the link road. The design and build specification of the houses would reflect their proximity to the new street and address any issues appropriately. The link road is being designed as a modern, landscaped city street which meets the needs of all road users.
Q. Why build more houses anyway - what will the people living in them do for a living?
A. Hereford is set for growth. ESG is playing its part in supporting this. Herefordshire Council's Regeneration Directorate is looking at options for employment and has plans and schemes which will increase employment and boost the county's economy. Recent successful development at Rotherwas and around the county shows what can be achieved.
February 2010