Salisbury company gets archaeological contract for A303 Stonehenge project
Wessex Archaeology has been chosen by Highways England.
The contract to carry out 'archaeological protection and excavation work' for the A303 Stonehenge tunnel project is worth £35 million to the Old Sarum based Wessex Archaeology.
Even though the scheme hasn't got consent from the Transport Secretary yet, Highways England say Wessex Archaeology can now start pre-planning.
There's a deadline of November 13th for a final decision on the scheme, and if it's approved, work isn't expected to start on site until Spring 2021.
Highways England Project Director Derek Parody said:
"The World Heritage Site (WHS) around Stonehenge is a heritage site of national and international importance and the scope of the archaeological contract announced today is unprecedented for Highways England, reflecting the importance of the WHS and surrounding landscape.
"Building on thorough evaluation work carried out before the DCO application was submitted, the archaeological mitigation strategy is being developed in consultation with specialist advisors from Historic England and Wiltshire Council, the National Trust and English Heritage, and with input from a scientific committee of independent experts.
"Wessex Archaeology have an extensive track record of work in connection with the Stonehenge landscape, we want to ensure that all archaeological remains are preserved and recorded, and we are delighted to announce that they will be undertaking this specialist work.
"The contract award in no way pre-empts the granting of a Development Consent Order and while we await the Secretary of State's decision, we need to progress the procurement to ensure the project is in the best position it can be in to proceed thereafter."
The archaeological project will continue right through the construction process, with the aim of 'making the scheme accessible to all'.
Wessex Archaeology will work with schools and community interest groups, as well as Wiltshire Council, the National Trust and English Heritage.
Caroline Budd, Chief Operating Officer at Wessex Archaeology, said:
"Wessex Archaeology is very proud to be an ongoing part of the integrated A303 team, and we welcome the chance to be involved in such a significant road improvement scheme. This project enables us to continue our work towards the sensitive management and interpretation of one of the UK's most important historic landscapes, and ensure that both local communities and the general public can benefit from a greater understanding of this fascinating place."
WHAT'S PLANNED FOR THE A303?
If the A303 Stonehenge tunnel project is given consent, it would include a two mile long tunnel through the World Heritage Site, which would move the road out of view from the stone circle.
There'd be 8 miles in total of new dual carriageway for the trunk road.
Improvements would also be made to the Countess and Longbarrow roundabouts, such as a flyover for the Amesbury junction and there'd be a bypass for Winterbourne Stoke, taking the A303 over a viaduct above the Till Valley.
Government roads minister, Baroness Vere, has told Greatest Hits Radio that she's confident we'll get a decision on the project by next month's deadline.