Preferred route of a congestion cutting new road tunnel beneath Stonehenge is set to be announced later this year following a public consultation which got under way last week.

 

Highways England is now inviting road users and local residents to have their say on plans to upgrade an 11km single carriageway stretch of the A303 in Wiltshire, which currently runs alongside the ancient monument.

 

The proposed 3km tunnel would carry vehicles beneath the stones on a dual carriageway, removing the sight and sound of traffic and improving journey times, the strategic road network operator says.

 

This Stonehenge scheme will form the first element of a programme of dual carriageway upgrades on the A303 corridor, creating a high quality route between the M3 and M5.

 

“Our plans for the A303 recognise the national importance of the route and these improvements will bring real benefit to the region and local communities,” commented Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan.

 

A series of public exhibitions detailing proposals for the Stonehenge project – which also includes a bypass of Winterbourne Stoke – are due to take place from this week. The consultation closes on 5 March.

 

“The public exhibitions will provide an excellent opportunity to explain further our plans and to hear feedback from stakeholders on our proposals to deliver the scheme,” added Jim O’Sullivan.

 

Civil Engineering Contractors Association head of external affairs Marie-Claude Hemming commented: “The current proximity of the busy A303 to Stonehenge is far from ideal.

 

“We welcome any proposals that will improve connectivity around the site, while respecting the archaeological integrity and uniqueness of Stonehenge as a World Heritage Site.”

 

Consultations on subsequent A303 upgrades – including a project from Sparkford to Ilchester and another between Taunton and Southfields – will follow in due course.

 

(Photo: Department for Transport)