Plans have been unveiled for the £1.6 billion A303 road upgrade project near Stonehenge.

Published by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling today, 12 September, the preferred route includes;

• Eight miles of dual carriageway

• A tunnel at least 1.8 miles long underneath Stonehenge 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

Earlier this year, a public consultation was held to gather feedback on the plans. 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.

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Overall, the A303 upgrade between Amesbury and Berwick Down is a key part of the Government's £15bn road strategy and aims to support economic growth, tourism and improve journey times for millions of people.

The Government will also upgrade 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.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling 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."

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."

(LM/MH)