The plans for a controversial road tunnel near Stonehenge have finally been approved on Friday. The UK transport secretary has given the green light to a $2.2 billion project that aims to widen roads around the historic site and construct a 2-mile tunnel to alleviate traffic on England’s A303 road, according to the Guardian and the BBC. Previous evidence from planning inspectors warned of “permanent, irreversible harm” to the UNESCO world heritage site, but despite their concerns, it received approval in 2020 by the former transport secretary. However, local residents and the High Court later challenged the decision, citing potential impacts on the ancient site.
The A303 is a vital roadway that connects London to southwest England, and this project will involve the reconstruction of eight miles of the road. Even experts in conservation are divided on whether the improvements will have a positive or negative effect. The Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site campaign, responsible for the previous legal challenge, may launch another protest. Currently, there is a six-week review period, and the director of a non-profit organization that studies the impact of roads suggests that aside from potential legal challenges, the government will also need time to secure funding for the project. (Read more Stonehenge stories.)
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