Stonehenge tunnel designers appointed

Highways England has appointed the design team for the development of a tunnel on the A303 near Stonehenge.

As part of the £15Bn five year Road Investment Strategy, the government has pledged to improve the section of the A303 between Amesbury and Berwick Down in Wiltshire, including a tunnel near Stonehenge and a bypass of the village of Winterbourne Stoke.

The Atkins/Arup joint venture will develop options for the estimated £17.5M works to take to public consultation and eventually a preferred route announcement.

The A303 is a key route that links London with the south west and subject to statutory procedures, work is due to begin on the proposed scheme by April 2020.

Project Manager of the A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down scheme, Andrew Alcorn, said: “This award takes us another step closer to our commitment to deliver the A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down Improvement Scheme.

“Now we have Atkins/Arup on board to help with developing options for the scheme and pre-construction planning, we will be able to take the next step towards making this scheme a reality.”

Tony Marshall, Global Highways Business Leader, Arup said: “We are delighted to be a part of the team tasked with helping to relieve congestion and improving the setting of a world renowned heritage site. By working collaboratively we can produce a transport solution that is sensitive to an area that is of immense cultural and environmental importance.”

Lesley Waud, Strategic Highways Market Director, Atkins added: “This is a much needed scheme that will play a pivotal role in relieving congestion and improving journey times.

“We are delighted to work in partnership with Arup in delivering this vital project that will not only generate major benefits to better meet the needs of the travelling public, but will also support local economic growth in the long term.”

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