The route for the £1.6 billion A303 upgrade near Stonehenge a key
part of the ‘South West expressway’, has today been published by
Transport Secretary .
Linking the M3 in the South East and the M5 in the South West,
the ‘expressway’ will upgrade this key route and improve journey
times for millions of people. This major investment will support
economic growth and tourism in an area where congestion and slow
journeys have long had a negative impact on the region’s
economy.
A tunnel near Stonehenge will remove the traffic blight on local
communities and enhance the famous landmark. It will reconnect
the two halves of the 6,500 acre World Heritage site which is
currently split by the road, and remove the sight and sound of
traffic from the Stonehenge landscape.
Transport Secretary said:
“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.”
The A303 upgrade between Amesbury and Berwick Down is a
key part of the government’s £15 billion road strategy – the
biggest investment in roads in a generation. The scheme includes
the 1.8 mile-long tunnel, a free-flowing dual carriageway and a
much-needed bypass north of Winterbourne Stoke.
Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said:
“Highways England is committed to delivering a high quality,
modern road on this vital route between the South West and the
rest of the country.
“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.
“We have listened to feedback from consultation and believe this
preferred route will help improve traffic flow, reduce rat
running on the surrounding roads, bringing improvements to local
communities and benefits to the South West economy.”
A public consultation was held earlier this year which attracted
considerable feedback from thousands of individuals and
organisations. Following this and further engagement with local
communities, heritage groups, archaeologists, historians and
engineers, Highways England has modified the plans, including
moving the position of one of the entrances to the tunnel to
avoid conflicting with the solstice alignment. The route ensures
the Stonehenge World Heritage site will be protected and
enhanced for people from across the world to enjoy.
Secretary of State for Culture, said:
"Stonehenge has captured the imagination of people around the
world for centuries and is a site of global importance. With over
1 million visitors a year it is one of the jewels in the UK's
crown and it is important that we preserve it for generations to
come. This investment from the government will help make the
visitor experience much more enjoyable and this is good news for
local residents and businesses who will benefit from the new
route.
"The government will also continue to work closely with key
heritage bodies to ensure this scheme respects and protects the
Stonehenge World Heritage site."
The Government is committed to upgrading all remaining sections
of the A303 between the M3 and M5 to dual carriageway standard,
starting with three schemes: one at Stonehenge, one between
Sparkford and Ilchester and the third on the A358 between Taunton
and Southfields.
The preferred route includes:
- 8 miles of
free-flowing, high-quality dual carriageway
- a tunnel at
least 1.8 miles long underneath the World Heritage site, closely
following the existing A303 route, but a further 50 metres away
from the monument, avoiding important archaeological sites and
avoiding intrusion on the view of the setting sun from
Stonehenge during the winter solstice
- a new bypass
to the north of the village of Winterbourne Stoke
- junctions
with the A345 and A360 either side of the World Heritage site.
Details of the preferred route are available on the scheme
webpage:
www.highways.gov.uk/a303stonehengepra
