Press Statement: A303 Stonehenge Improvement Scheme

English Heritage’s response to the Department of Transport’s announcement on the A303 Stonehenge Improvement Scheme

English Heritage welcomes the recommendations of the Inspector’s Report and the fact that it endorses the proposed A303 road improvement scheme. By ending the stranglehold of traffic on the A303 and A344, the proposed road scheme is integral to realising the vision of re-uniting Stonehenge with its landscape and improving the experience for visitors. It also brings immense economic benefits to the South West and to the nation.

We understand why the Department of Transport is concerned about costs. It is a complex and expensive scheme. However, we continue to believe that the proposed road scheme represents the best value for money for achieving all the desired improvements while offering protection to the underlying archaeology.

We will, of course, play a full part with other interested parties in the Government’s intended review. This process must give full consideration to the national and international significance of the Stonehenge Project, and need not, in our view, be a lengthy one or delay the road scheme unduly.

20th July 2005