Plans have been unveiled to build a new dual carriageway tunnel under the historic Stonehenge site in Wiltshire.

The scheme is part of a £2 billion investment to cut congestion roads congestion in the south-west.

Proposals involve upgrading a seven-mile single carriageway stretch of the A303 near Stonehenge into a dual carriageway.

One potential option includes building the dual carriageway tunnel under the site to improve journey times, removing the sight/sound of traffic and enhancing the world heritage site.

Other plans for the Stonehenge scheme includes developing a bypass for the village of Winterbourne Stoke and improvements to existing junctions between the A303 and the intersecting A345 and A360 north-south roads.


Road users are now being invited to 'have their say' on the plans in a consultation which launches today, 12 January.

The consultation will run until 05 March, with a preferred route being announced later this year.

Unveiling the plans today, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "This major investment in the south-west will transform the A303 and benefit those locally by cutting congestion and improving journey times.

"It will also boost the economy, linking people with jobs and businesses with customers - driving forward our agenda to build a country that works for everyone and not just the privileged few."

Highways England Chief Executive Jim O'Sullivan added: "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.

"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."

The 2014 Road investment strategy committed to upgrading all remaining sections of the A303 between the M3 and M5 to dual carriageway standard, starting with three schemes:

• At Stonehenge

• Between Sparkford and Ilchester

• Between Taunton and Southfields

(LM)