Stonehenge tunnel procurement process begins

The agency responsible for the the UK's road network, Highways England (HE) has started the procurement process for a new tunnel building project that will be constructed beneath  the iconic Stonehenge world heritage site in Wiltshire, England.

The agency will begin looking for contractors to upgrade the A303 road between Berwick Down and Amesbury, which travels past the historic site.

So as to preserve both the site's integrity, and not spoil the view of sunset during the winter solstice, the construction of a 3.2 km (2 miles) long tunnel has been proposed beneath the site.

The construction project will also include a new bypass for a local village, 12.9 km (8 miles) of dual-carriageway and new junctions on both sides of the World Heritage Site.

HE posted the contract notice in the Official Journal of the European Union and supplied a figure that will cover £1.25 billion (€1.38 billion) for the bulk of the construction works.

The agency said that it would select a “world class” team of contractors and tunnellers to come up with the best solution should planning consent be granted.

Highways England project director, Derek Parody, said, “We expect this scheme to be of interest to some of the world’s best construction companies, who want to be part of delivering this transformational project – a scheme which will not only unlock congestion along this vital A303 route, conserve and enhance the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage Site but also benefit the local and regional economy by providing skills and job opportunities for businesses large and small."

“This in no way preempts the outcome of the ongoing Development Consent Order Examination. While this continues to progress, we need to begin the procurement to put us in a position to be able to start construction on schedule in 2021, providing consent is given.”

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