A303 Stonehenge tunnel work could begin in a year
National Highways have updated us after a judicial review was thrown out
Last updated 20th Feb 2024
Work on the A303 Stonehenge tunnel could begin by early 2025.
That's according to National Highways, after the High Court threw out a judicial review into the plans.
The proposed two mile tunnel would take the road out of view from the monument itself, and further away from the stones.
There'd also be improvements to the route along an overall eight mile stretch, including a flyover for the Countess roundabout at Amesbury and a bypass for the village of Winterbourne Stoke.
Project Director David Bullock says they want to get the legal process completely finished and start on site:
"We're very pleased that the High Court has made the ruling, and it represents a huge step forward to advance. The scheme is a lot further forward than it's ever been before. We're planning and are ready to go, and we'll judge what happens next with any appeal and address that in due course.
"We're taken the opportunity to be as ready as we can. We have our contractors all lined up, and we've got about a year's worth of what we call enabling works to do, which includes some very detailed archaeological works. What we should be is in a position to start the main construction work early in 2025."
The High Court review was brought forward by campaigners from the Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site group.
They've said losing the legal challenge is 'devastating' - especially as the scheme faced condemnation from UNESCO, environmentalists and high-profile historians.
They're looking to raise £15,000 to fund an appeal.
Contractors have already been lined up for the scheme, following years of preparation by National Highways in the hope that planning permission would eventually be granted.
But Project Director David Bullock is cautious about a possible change in Government during a general election year:
"We would hope that the scheme goes forward, it's still we feel, the right scheme. It's the best scheme for the area, delivering a huge amount for the World Heritage Site, for Stonehenge and for the communities in this area, providing that reliable route down to the South West. It's still the best solution, no matter what."