The UK Government intends to transform A303 highway as part of its £2bn investment in the south-west, which will see the construction of a tunnel at the historic Stonehenge site.

As part of its upgrade programme, the government will develop the A303 corridor into a high-quality performing route by linking the M3 in the south-east and the M5 in the south-west, improving journeys for millions of people.

UK Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: “This government is taking the big decisions for Britain’s future, underlined by our record £15bn funding for road schemes.

“This major investment in the south-west will transform the A303 and benefit those locally by cutting congestion and improving journey times.

“It will also boost the economy, linking people with jobs and businesses with customers – driving forward our agenda to build a country that works for everyone and not just the privileged few.”

The government has also invited drivers, hauliers, residents and other road users to express their views on upgrading seven-mile single carriageway stretch of the A303 near Stonehenge in Wiltshire into a dual carriageway.

Currently, the single carriageway section on A303 runs alongside the stones and as per the new proposal, a 1.8 mile dual carriageway tunnel construction would improve journey times, remove the sight and sound of traffic and enhance the world heritage site.

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “We are delivering the biggest investment programme in our roads in a generation.

"This major investment in the south-west will transform the A303 and benefit those locally by cutting congestion and improving journey times."

“Our plans for the A303 recognise the national importance of the route and these improvements will bring real benefit to the region and local communities.

“The public exhibitions will provide an excellent opportunity to explain further our plans and to hear feedback from stakeholders on our proposals to deliver the scheme.”

The Stonehenge proposals also include a bypass for the village of Winterbourne Stoke and improvements to existing junctions between the A303 and the intersecting A345 and A360 north-south roads.

Image: Cars travelling down the A303 highway. Photo: courtesy of Crown copyright.