This report seeks Cabinet approval of the scheme objectives included in the body of the report which sets out the progress made to date in developing the Strategic Outline Business Case.  The report also identifies the interrelationship with the Hereford City Masterplan and the Local Transport Plan, and suggests a broad timetable to take the scheme through to construction and operation.

Cabinet members considered a report setting out for approval the project objectives of the proposed Eastern River Crossing and Link Road. The strategic outline business case is in development and the agreed objectives will form the basis against which the scheme will be assessed as it is progressed.

The cabinet member infrastructure and transport introduced the report and highlighted the importance of the additional river crossing for resilience. An eastern crossing will provide access to the enterprise zone at Rotherwas and links to the most densely populated quadrant of the city. The link road will not cross the sensitive environments of the Lugg flats and will not be a bypass.

Cabinet members discussed the report and noted that the timescales set out in the report were cautious but based on the known processes required by the Department for Transport. Cabinet members stressed the need for dedicated support from officers and consultants to ensure the project stayed on track.

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. There was general support for a river crossing to the east of the city, but views differed as to whether this should form part of a wider package with a western crossing and bypass. Concerns were raised by some groups that the proposed eastern link road will not relieve congestion in the city and will not attract government funding. Others believed that the eastern crossing is the right solution when supported by wider investment in transport schemes across the city.

It was unanimously resolved that:

a)             Cabinet approves the project objectives as set out in this report;

b)             Cabinet notes the progress in developing the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for the Eastern River Crossing and Link Road; and

c)             The Service Director for Highways and Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure is authorised to take operational decisions associated with progressing the SOBC in respect of the project.