Green Light for £1.7bn Stonehenge A303 Upgrade
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has officially approved the Development Consent Order to kickstart work on the A303 upgrade between Amesbury and Berwick Down — right by the iconic Stonehenge.
This vital project will slash congestion on the jam-packed single carriageway, boosting journey times and reliability between the M3 and M5. It’s a major win for the south-west’s economy.
What’s Included in the Massive A303 Makeover?
- Eight miles of sleek, free-flowing dual carriageway
- A 2-mile tunnel beneath the World Heritage Site, set safely 50 metres from Stonehenge to protect archaeology and views
- A new bypass north of Winterbourne Stoke village
- New junctions linking the A345 and A360 around the heritage site
Officials Praise Historic and Economic Benefits
Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England CEO: “This is the biggest road investment for a generation. The tunnel will restore the Stonehenge landscape to something like its original state while speeding up travel to and from the south west.”
Derek Parody, Project Director: “We’re working hand in hand with English Heritage, National Trust, and other experts to protect and enhance this World Heritage Site. The scheme will provide lasting archaeological and environmental benefits.”
Cllr Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council: “Consent finally granted after years of planning is a huge boost. This investment will unlock jobs and skills across Wiltshire and the entire south west.”
David Tucker, Federation of Small Businesses Transport Chair: “Upgrading the A303 is key to supporting the south-west’s economy. The alternative routes are already overloaded. This is vital infrastructure investment.”
Timeline and Next Steps
Highways England is in talks with three bidders for the main construction contract, with a preferred firm expected by 2021. Meanwhile, archaeological work and preliminary jobs have already been awarded, with fieldwork starting late spring next year.
The main five-year construction phase aims to begin by 2023, pending any legal challenges during the six-week High Court window.
More Road Upgrades in the Pipeline
Elsewhere on the A303, the Sparkford to Ilchester scheme in Somerset awaits approval, promising a high-quality three-mile dual carriageway with improved junctions. Meanwhile, the A358 Taunton to Southfields dualling project has secured Treasury funding for its next development stage.
With these projects, the government hopes to unlock better transport links, unload traffic woes, and pump fresh life into local economies across the south west.
