“The A303 Stonehenge tunnel is part of the biggest investment in our road network for a generation,” said Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan. “This transformational scheme will return the Stonehenge landscape towards its original setting and will improve journey times for everyone who travels to and from the south west.”

The £1.7Bn upgrade from Amesbury to Berwick Down includes delivery of 13km of dual carriageway and a 3km tunnel beneath the World Heritage Site. Highways England is talking to three bidders hoping to deliver the contract and a preferred bidder is expected to be announced next year. Construction is due to commence in 2023 and the road is set to open five years later.

Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for highways Bridget Wayman welcomed the green light for the project. “It represents a significant investment in Wiltshire that will boost the south west economy, unlocking jobs and investment throughout the entire region,” she said.

Freight group Logistics UK also supported the announcement. Policy manager Chris Yarsley said: “The current issues with the A303 have stalled economic and social growth in the region and we are excited to see how these sustainable and effective infrastructure improvements can address the problems experienced by those using the route.”

For the Lower Thames Crossing, bidders are asked to submit a selection questionnaire before the end of the year, three applicants are expected to be shortlisted and award of a contract award is scheduled for 2022. Construction is expected to start later that year.

The £2Bn scheme will include the longest road tunnel in Britain at just over 4km and 23km of new road on either side.

“The Lower Thames Crossing is the most ambitious road project this country has seen since the M25 was completed nearly 35 years ago,” commented the project's executive director Matt Palmer.

And in northern England, the £1Bn A66 trans-Pennine upgrade between the M6 in Cumbria and the A1(M) in North Yorkshire saw a ‘progress report’ published this week, including videos, brochures and access to online chats. To view the report, click here.

The scheme will see 29km of single carriageway on the A66 dualled between Penrith and Scotch Corner.

Transport for the North’s major roads director Peter Molyneux commented: “People, businesses, the tourism sector and the wider economy will all reap the rewards of improved access, safety and reliability once this strategic road is brought up to modern standards.”

(Photograph: Highways England)