A £1.7bn project to create a new two-lane dual carriageway for the A303 in Wiltshire, including a two-mile tunnel past the Stonehenge stones has been given the planning green light.
Three joint ventures are currently in the running to build the project: BMJV (Bouygues/Murphy); HDJV (Hochtief/Dragados); and More JV (FCC Construcción, BeMo Tunnelling and Salini Impregilo). A preferred bidder is expected to be announced next year.
The new dual carriageway will run between Amesbury and Berwick Down. Other key elements of the development are:
- a northern bypass of Winterbourne Stoke with a viaduct over the River Till valley;
- a new junction between the A303 and A360 to the west of, and outside, the Stonehenge World Heritage Site (“WHS”), replacing the existing Longbarrow roundabout;
- a tunnel approximately two miles (3.3km) in length past the Stonehenge stones; and
- a new junction between the A303 and A345 at the existing Countess roundabout.
Osborne is expected to start an £8.5m preliminary works contract on the project at the start of 2021, including site clearance, water connections and small road improvements. Wessex Archaeology has been awarded a £35m contract to carry out excavations and work to record and preserve any archaeological finds.
