Progress report
Our application for a development consent order to build the scheme has been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate. You can view our application on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
This is an important milestone as it signifies another step towards improving this vital route to the south west.
We have also produced an explanatory booklet to help you understand the proposed scheme. It sets out the key elements on the scheme, reflecting its development since consultation, and will act as a guide to important information for those wanting to engage with the Planning Inspectorate’s examination of our proposals.
What’s next
The A303 improvement past Stonehenge is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and will be considered under the Planning Act 2008. Under the Act, applicants apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Secretary of State for Transport.
We submitted the DCO application on 19 October 2018 to the Planning Inspectorate who accepted it on 16 November 2018. The Inspectorate will now arrange a detailed examination of the application, in which stakeholders and the public can participate, before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State who will make the final decision on the scheme proceeding.
More details about the examination process can be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
Timeline
Date | Event |
---|---|
2013 | A303 feasibility study announced as part of the Autumn Statement |
2014 | Scheme included in the Roads Investment Strategy |
2015-2016 | Route options assessed |
12 January to 5 March 2017 | Non-statutory consultation on route options |
September 2017 | Preferred route announced |
8 February to 23 April 2018 | Statutory consultation on proposed scheme |
17 July to 14 August 2018 | Supplementary consultation |
19 October 2018 | Development consent order application submitted |
16 November 2018 | Development consent order accepted for examination |
Early 2019 | Begin public examination |
2021 (planned) | Start work on site |
Community news
We've established a Local Community Forum and appointed an independent chair as leader. The next forum will be held in January 2019.
Why we need this scheme
As part of the most direct route between the South East and the South West, the A303 past Stonehenge plays a big part in the daily lives of tens of thousands of people, and for many it can be a daily struggle.
Average traffic flows along the single carriageway section between Amesbury and Berwick Down are twice what it was designed for, and the road is even busier in the summer tourist period.
The road bisects the Stonehenge part of the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites World Heritage Site, running just 165 metres away from the most famous stone circle in the world. The road also cuts the village of Winterbourne Stoke in two.
An improved dual-carriageway, via a tunnel past Stonehenge, will help unlock economic growth in the South West by transforming journey reliability, increasing safety and improving connectivity with neighbouring regions, while protecting or enhancing the environment.
To make sure we achieve this, the project has four key objectives:
- Transport: to create a high quality reliable route between the South East and the South West that meets the future needs of traffic.
- Economic growth: to enable growth in jobs and housing by providing a free-flowing and reliable connection between the South East and the South West.
- Cultural heritage: to help conserve and sustain the World Heritage Site and to make it easier to reach and explore.
- Environment and community: to improve biodiversity and provide a positive legacy for nearby communities.
Project media files and documents
A303 Stonehenge Response form
A303 Stonehenge Amesbury to Berwick Down - The case for the scheme - February 2018
Improving journeys to the South West: The case for the A303/A358 Corridor, February 2018
Statement of Community Consultation
A303 Stonehenge: Map - Western section Winterbourne Stoke bypass to Longbarrow junction
A303 Stonehenge: Map - Western section Winterbourne Stoke bypass to Longbarrow junction with longitudinal ground profile
A303 Stonehenge: Map - Central section within the World Heritage Site WHS
A303 Stonehenge: Map - Central section within the World Heritage Site WHS with longitudinal ground profile
A303 Stonehenge: Map - Eastern section Countess junction to Solstice Park Junction
A303 Stonehenge: Map - Eastern section Countess junction to Solstice Park Junction with longitudinal ground profile
A303 Stonehenge PEIR non-technical summary (NTS)
A303 Stonehenge Preliminary environmental information report (PEIR)
A303 Stonehenge PEIR figures and appendices part 1
A303 Stonehenge PEIR figures and appendices part 2
A303 Stonehenge PEIR figures and appendices part 3
A303 Stonehenge PEIR figures and appendices part 4
A303 Stonehenge Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report October 2017
Consultation leaflet
Consultation poster
Section 47 notice
Section 48 notice
Archaeological trial trench evaluation
Geophysical survey report phase 1
Geophysical survey report phase 2
Geophysical survey report phase 3
Geophysical survey report phase 4
A303 Archaeological strategy
Geophysical survey design brief
Heritage impact assessment scoping report
Overarching written scheme of investigation for archaeological evaluation
Phase 1 A303 Wessex archaeology geophysical survey
Phase 2 A303 Wessex archaeology geophysical survey
Phase 3 A303 Wessex archaeology geophysical survey
Project timeline
Planned roadworks
Roadworks and Events for England
The latest incident information for England's motorway and trunk routes provided by Highways England
Announcements
Breaking News: Traffic Information
Breaking News
The latest current breaking news items for England's motorway network