Stonehenge to get its tunnel
MINISTERS have given the final goahead for a tunnel near Stonehenge, despite bitter opposition from archaeologists who fear it could undermine the prehistoric monument.
Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, will today publish plans for the 1.8 mile tunnel taking the A303 past the World Heritage Site, bringing to an end 30 years of arguments over the merits of the scheme.
The £1.6 billion project was welcomed by Historic England, the National Trust and English Heritage, the charity that manages the site, which said it would “restore peace and tranquillity” to the area.
But Sir Tony Robinson, the Time Team presenter, described it as a “most brutal intrusion”.
The A303 narrows from a dual carriageway to a single carriageway for 35 miles of the road which links London to the South West, adding an hour to journey times because of congestion, according to the AA.
Proposals for a tunnel were
announced in 1989 but were repeatedly shelved, until the Government announced earlier this year it intended to build the tunnel and put the scheme out for public consultation.
Thousands of people and organisations responded, and Mr Grayling will today announce that the scheme will go ahead, with work expected to begin in 2020 for a 2029 opening.
Department for Transport officials have insisted the tunnel will avoid important archaeological sites and will not intrude on the view of the setting sun from Stonehenge during the winter solstice.
But opponents are deeply concerned. David Jacques, a University of Buckingham archaeologist, said: “The chalk in the area across where the tunnel is planned is unstable so any largescale engineering work could result in Stonehenge subsiding.”
He added: “There’s also the possibility of radon gas, which is radioactive, being released.” Sir Tony said the Government’s announcement was “an absolute disgrace” and that he felt “quite sick because of it.”
In March, the body which advises Unesco said it “firmly objected” to the proposals, which it claimed could risk the site’s World Heritage status.
A spokesman for the Stonehenge Alliance campaign said: “The potential risk of loss of Stonehenge’s World Heritage Status casts shame upon our country and those responsible for caring for our heritage.”
Mr 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.”
David Bullock, project manager, said: “We’re looking at a route that provides a sympathetic path through the archaeology and landscape.
“We’re doing lots and lots of investigating.”