Long-awaited plans for a Stonehenge tunnel were unveiled last week by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, as part of a £1.6billion upgrade to the A303.
The ‘South West expressway’ will include upgrades to the route which links the M3 and M5 motorways, supporting economic growth and tourism for the area, which is often blighted by congestion and slow traffic past the famous landmark.
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The 1.8-mile tunnel, which will reconnect the two halves of the Unesco World Heritage site split by the road, will also remove both the sight and sound of traffic from the Stonehnge landscape.
Plans for the A303 also include a new bypass to the north of the village of Winterbourne Stoke and eight new miles of dual carriageway, following public consultations with local communities, heritage groups and historians. Entrances to the tunnel were modified after discussions to avoid conflicting with solstice alignment.
Grayling said of the plan: “This government is taking the big decisions for Britain’s future and this major investment in the south-west will provide a huge boost for the region. Quicker journey times, reduced congestion and cleaner air will benefit people locally and unlock growth in the tourism industry.
“The scheme will also support 120,000 extra jobs and 100,000 new homes across the region, helping us build a country that works for everyone,” he added.
Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “The A303 and the World Heritage site has suffered from congestion for many years. This scheme will enhance, protect and restore tranquillity to one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes.”
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