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- New access road officially open for business
New access road officially open for business
- By Chief Editor
- Published 30 Sep 2008
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
The Rotherwas access road has received the stamp of approval from local businesses which can now send out goods without height or weight restrictions.
The 2.2-mile road, which has taken 16 months to build, came into use for the first time at the end of June.
On Monday, September 29, Nick Paul, chairman of Advantage West Midlands, officially declared the road open and unveiled a plaque.
Assembled guests heard Debbie Gittoes, from Arctic Circle, who spoke on behalf of local businesses.
She said the new road was essential to guarantee the future success of Rotherwas.
"Despite my previous lack of confidence that the access road would ever be built, it is now open for business.
“It is up to us, the business community at Rotherwas, to demonstrate that not only was it essential for the prosperity of Rotherwas and the wider region, but that it was money well spent.
“The best way to do this is for these businesses to prosper and increase their contribution to the local economy".
Cllr Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said the new road came at a key time in the development of the area.
“Rotherwas Futures promises a bright future for the area which will be developed to maintain it as the premier location for businesses in Herefordshire.
“Such a location demands first class access and this is exactly what the new road delivers. We’re delighted to have been able to work with Advantage West Midlands to create this lifeline to the businesses of Rotherwas.”
Nick Paul, chairman of Advantage West Midlands, said: "Today's official opening of the access road is great news for Rotherwas businesses and for Herefordshire.
"It solves the longstanding issue of restricted road access - and is an opportunity
to change perceptions of Rotherwas by creating a quality business environment where companies are more likely to stay, invest and grow.
“That means more jobs and better jobs for the people of Herefordshire.
"This is partnership working at its best. Herefordshire Council and Advantage West Midlands have worked together to open a first class transport link in just two years."
Carillion Project Manager Ashley Brookes said: “We’re pleased to have played a part in developing and securing the long term future of the people and businesses of Rotherwas through building this long-awaited access road for our clients.
“The scheme has included a range of environmental measures including tree and hedgerow planting, provision of a hibernaculum a natural habitat for insect and small animals, general landscaping, stream re-alignment and mitigation against impact on protected species by the creation of a multi species tunnel all of which are testament to our mission of making tomorrow a better place.”
Rotherwas access road facts:
The 2.2-mile road, which has taken 16 months to build, came into use for the first time at the end of June.
On Monday, September 29, Nick Paul, chairman of Advantage West Midlands, officially declared the road open and unveiled a plaque.
Assembled guests heard Debbie Gittoes, from Arctic Circle, who spoke on behalf of local businesses.
She said the new road was essential to guarantee the future success of Rotherwas.
"Despite my previous lack of confidence that the access road would ever be built, it is now open for business.
“It is up to us, the business community at Rotherwas, to demonstrate that not only was it essential for the prosperity of Rotherwas and the wider region, but that it was money well spent.
“The best way to do this is for these businesses to prosper and increase their contribution to the local economy".
Cllr Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said the new road came at a key time in the development of the area.
“Rotherwas Futures promises a bright future for the area which will be developed to maintain it as the premier location for businesses in Herefordshire.
“Such a location demands first class access and this is exactly what the new road delivers. We’re delighted to have been able to work with Advantage West Midlands to create this lifeline to the businesses of Rotherwas.”
Nick Paul, chairman of Advantage West Midlands, said: "Today's official opening of the access road is great news for Rotherwas businesses and for Herefordshire.
"It solves the longstanding issue of restricted road access - and is an opportunity
“That means more jobs and better jobs for the people of Herefordshire.
"This is partnership working at its best. Herefordshire Council and Advantage West Midlands have worked together to open a first class transport link in just two years."
Carillion Project Manager Ashley Brookes said: “We’re pleased to have played a part in developing and securing the long term future of the people and businesses of Rotherwas through building this long-awaited access road for our clients.
“The scheme has included a range of environmental measures including tree and hedgerow planting, provision of a hibernaculum a natural habitat for insect and small animals, general landscaping, stream re-alignment and mitigation against impact on protected species by the creation of a multi species tunnel all of which are testament to our mission of making tomorrow a better place.”
Rotherwas access road facts:
- Work on the road started in March 2007 and it opened for business at the end of June 2008
- The road is 2.2 miles long, a single carriageway route from the A49 (north of Grafton Inn) to a new roundabout at the junction of Holme Lacy Road and Chapel Road
- The main contractor was Carrillion plc and the main consultant, which supervised the construction of the scheme, was Amey Consulting
- More than eight miles of fencing has been installed, including a combination of specialist fencing to protect badgers, otters, newts and livestock from the new road
- An underpass has been installed for use by badgers, newts and bats and two culvert structures have included ledges for use by badgers and otters
- The sustainable drainage system uses a variety of features including balancing ponds which help reduce flooding, improve the quality of water from the new road and provide important habitat sites.