The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) has welcomed plans to build a new road tunnel near Stonehenge.

Proposals for the 1.8-mile dual carriageway tunnel underneath the World Heritage Site were unveiled by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling on Thursday, 12 January.

The scheme is part of a £2 billion investment in the South West region, developing the A303 corridor into a high quality route linking the M3 in the south-east and the M5 in the south-west.

-- Advertisement --

The CECA welcomed the plans, stating the project will help boost the South West economy.

However, it added it was important the local public had an opportunity to make their views known on the scheme.

Head of External Affairs, Marie-Claude Hemming, said: "This scheme will improve journey times, cut congestion, and open up the economy of the South West.

"At the same time, given the importance of the site to global heritage, it is vital that the public have the opportunity to contribute their views on the proposals. We welcome the Government's decision to move forward with this.

"The current proximity of the busy A303 to Stonehenge is far from ideal. We welcome any proposals that will improve connectivity around the site, whilst respecting the archaeological integrity and uniqueness of Stonehenge as a World Heritage Site."

(LM/JP)