Herefordshire Council is asking residents for their views on a £700,000 project in the St Owen Street area of the city.

Earlier this year, Your Herefordshire highlighted plans to spend up to £700,000 on a Cycle contraflow system on St Owen Street.

Plans for a Cycle Contraflow system on St Owen Street in Hereford could cost around £700,000 documents released by Herefordshire Council have revealed.

A cycle contraflow system has been in the planning on St Owen Street for several years, with a consultation held three years ago.

The St Owen Street Cycle Contraflow plans were announced in a document released by Herefordshire Council earlier this year that detailed a potential spend on the following projects throughout the city.

High Existing Enhancements – £572,407.00
High Town Area Minor Works – £211,642.00
Market and event infrastructure – £30,500.00
CCTV – £60,500.00
Façade improvement grants/Business Grants – £500,000.00
Cathedral & River Wye Quarter Design – £340,000.00
St Owen St Cycle Contraflow – £700,000.00
Widemarsh St kerb Improvements – £715,000.00
Cathedral & River Wye Quarter Planters – £262,500.00
City Link Road Planters – £570,191.00
City Greening – £362,000.00
City Trees – £320,000.00
City Green Cycle Shelters – £30,000.00
Public Art/Installations – £243,000.00
Hostile Vehicle Movement – £500,000.00
HCCI Project Management Costs – £582,260.00

From Herefordshire Council:

Consultation to focus on Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) in St Owen Street

Herefordshire Council is encouraging local people to take part in a consultation around the details of improved measures for cyclists and pedestrians in St Owen Street, Hereford.

An earlier consultation on whether to introduce the contraflow proved that there is strong support for the proposed scheme. This consultation does not revisit that question but is a necessary next stage in the process where Herefordshire Council is legally required to consult on elements of the scheme.

The St Owen Street cycle contraflow scheme will create a safer cycle route from the east of the city, promoting sustainable and active travel, while at the same time improving safety for pedestrians and motorists.

The scheme is part of ongoing improvements in Hereford city centre to create a more attractive environment for residents, visitors, shoppers, workers and local businesses, encouraging people into the city and ensuring they have a great experience when they are there.

As part of the work to introduce the scheme, Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are required, which in turn requires a statutory consultation. The changes to the TRO cover the permitting of cyclists to travel in both directions on the one-way street, adjustments to parking, loading and bus stop layouts to incorporate the physical features of the scheme, and the introduction of areas of raised carriageway on St Owen St.

Cllr John Harrington, cabinet member infrastructure and transport said: “In these difficult times it is more important than ever to support businesses with measures that will promote the economic success of the city. The proposed improvements in St Owen Street will hopefully be a boost to our measures to allow people to use alternatives to the car to travel into and through the City. Contraflows can decrease journey times for cyclists compared to those travelling by car by providing more direct, safer, travel routes, and can also reduce inappropriate cycling on the pavement.

“We are asking for the views of local people around the specific details of the Traffic Regulation Orders, which are vital components of the street layout that will allow us to implement the scheme in the most effective way.”

The consultation starts on 19 May 2022, and runs to 16 June 2022.

People can find full details and take part in the consultation via the Herefordshire Council website.

Alternatively, if you are unable to complete the online form, you can post a written response to: BBLP St Owen St Consultation, Balfour Beatty Living Places, Unit 3 Thorn Business Park, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford, HR2 6JT.

Responses to this consultation must be received on or before 16 June 2022.

If you require any further information on this scheme, please contact us by email: StOwensSt@balfourbeatty.com.