We’re extending our ground investigation work programme

We’re continuing our ground investigation (GI) surveys along the route for the A303 Stonehenge scheme.

This work increases our knowledge of the surrounding landscape and provides the most up to date information on what has already been gathered.

You may wonder what exactly is happening, especially if you spot us working alongside the A303. To help you get an understanding of the work, we’ve put together a simple Q&A we hope you find useful.

What’s involved?

Most of the GI work in our programme has been carried out, however there’s still some outstanding boreholes that need completing.

Most of the remaining survey locations are near the current A303, so you may see some of our vans and equipment in the fields.  You may notice track matting in these fields – we use this to protect the ground. 

Before any drilling begins we will be carrying out careful archaeological surveys at each location.

Why are you doing these surveys now?

We’ve already conducted surveys over the past couple of years which has helped us draw up the preliminary design of the scheme. This additional data will offer updated information on what’s already been collected and will be shared with companies bidding to build the scheme next year.

The main contractor will need as much information on the ground and water conditions, so they can provide an accurate bid to build the scheme.

Will the work disturb the winter solstice?

No. We fully understand the importance of the winter solstice and all survey work on site will have been completed before this event.

Will there be any road closures on the A303?

There are no planned road closures due to our work however Highways England is carrying out essential surfacing work on the A303 between Longbarrow roundabout and Countess roundabout, beginning Monday 23 November. Both the east and westbound carriageways will be closed weeknights from 8pm to 6am for work to be carried out safely.

This work is expected to finish on the morning of Friday 4 December.

If you’d like further information on Highways England’s operations work, please call or email info@highwaysengland.co.uk.

If you’d like further information on the A303 Stonehenge scheme, please don’t hesitate to email us info@A303stonehenge.co.uk or call 0330 123 5000.