Published 8/9/2026 By William Turtle-Clark

Details have been revealed regarding the £438,670 cost of a traffic calming scheme along the main A438 in Lugwardine.

The project, which took place over the summer, introduces several measures on the busy route between Hereford and Ledbury, where the speed limit drops to 30 miles per hour through Lugwardine and neighbouring Bartestree.

Works carried out by contractor Velta Construction include new village entrance gateways, widened footpaths, speed indicator infrastructure, upgraded road markings, and new uncontrolled pedestrian crossings. Herefordshire Council stated the enhancements aim to encourage safer driving speeds and improve conditions for pedestrians, particularly school children and vulnerable road users.

The £438,670 contract is funded through three sources: £300,000 from central government's Local Transport Grant, £107,000 from the Levelling Up Fund, and £32,000 in Section 106 contributions from local housebuilders. Although the council made the decision to award the contract on July 15, the decision was officially published on September 3.

While the majority of the physical work is now finished, Bartestree and Lugwardine Parish Council confirmed that ongoing surveys are taking place following delays caused by blocked and collapsed drains along the stretch.

In addition to the physical changes, Herefordshire Council is currently consulting on a proposal to introduce a complete ban on overtaking along the 30mph section of the A438, extending from just south of Lugwardine Bridge to Weston Beggard Lane. Public feedback on the proposed overtaking restriction can be submitted until September 18.