Possible options for the A303 around Stonehenge were outlined today by Stephen Ladyman, Minister of State for Transport, and David Lammy, Minister for Culture.
The options for improvements to the road follow the decision in July 2005 to look again at the planned bored tunnel at the site which has seen the cost escalate to £510m.
In addition to the bored tunnel, the following alternatives are also being looked at:
* Bypasses of the Stonehenge site, either to the north or south;
* A 'cut and cover' tunnel past Stonehenge;
* Changes to the Countess Roundabout, closure of the A344/A303 junction and construction of the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass.
Stephen Ladyman said:
"The Government is committed to improving the A303 past the World Heritage Site at Stonehenge. I hope that everyone with an interest in this important issue will take this opportunity to contribute to the review process. I am keen to take account of as many views as possible before deciding on an option that will be in keeping with the special requirements of the location as well as being affordable, realistic and deliverable."
David Lammy said:
"This review is an important stage in our work. We need to find a solution for the A303 past Stonehenge which is right for the setting of the Stones and right for the historic landscape which surrounds them. Our aim is to realise the goals we have set out in the Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan. This is an opportunity for us all to work together to find an answer which we can unite around and deliver. I look forward to hearing views."
The public consultation will run from 23 January 2006 to 24 April 2006. As part of the consultation, public exhibitions will be held in both Salisbury on 9-11 February 2006 and in London on 17-18 February 2006. Representatives of the Highways Agency and its consultants will be available to explain the options and answer questions.
The options for improvements to the road follow the decision in July 2005 to look again at the planned bored tunnel at the site which has seen the cost escalate to £510m.
In addition to the bored tunnel, the following alternatives are also being looked at:
* Bypasses of the Stonehenge site, either to the north or south;
* A 'cut and cover' tunnel past Stonehenge;
* Changes to the Countess Roundabout, closure of the A344/A303 junction and construction of the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass.
Stephen Ladyman said:
"The Government is committed to improving the A303 past the World Heritage Site at Stonehenge. I hope that everyone with an interest in this important issue will take this opportunity to contribute to the review process. I am keen to take account of as many views as possible before deciding on an option that will be in keeping with the special requirements of the location as well as being affordable, realistic and deliverable."
David Lammy said:
"This review is an important stage in our work. We need to find a solution for the A303 past Stonehenge which is right for the setting of the Stones and right for the historic landscape which surrounds them. Our aim is to realise the goals we have set out in the Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan. This is an opportunity for us all to work together to find an answer which we can unite around and deliver. I look forward to hearing views."
The public consultation will run from 23 January 2006 to 24 April 2006. As part of the consultation, public exhibitions will be held in both Salisbury on 9-11 February 2006 and in London on 17-18 February 2006. Representatives of the Highways Agency and its consultants will be available to explain the options and answer questions.
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