by Dr Professor George Nash
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Supporters of the proposed tunnel will be aware of the potential harm of burrowing underneath the Stonehenge landscape (using either the North or South options) and will forget to consider that the A303 is actually a cultural heritage asset in its own right. Historic map regression shows that the A303 has not deviated from its original route for over 200 years, forming part of a then important east-west arterial route between London and the west of England. I hope that the powers-that-be acknowledge this along with the significant historic road furniture that is associated with it (e.g. mile stones) – so please do not bury it.
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Map of 1817 showing our beloved A303
LiDAR plan of the Stonehenge landscape and the beloved A303
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What of the proposed tunnel – a capital project? Well, dare I suggest that it’s a complete and utter waste of money – why not divert the money to more worthy causes. I do think we have a critical NHS crisis and the closure of Libraries and Museums across the UK – that’s just for Starters. Whilst I think about it, get shot of HS2 as well.
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Cautionary notes, to all those so-called eminent archaeologists (and you know who you are) who have suggested that such a project would be an ‘opportunity’ [to explore this landscape], remember the heritage disaster that was the Winchester bypass [Twyford Down]? Well, based on the projected options for that tunnel, as promoted by Highways England, there will be a massive impact on both Stonehenge’s archaeological and natural landscape, including the nation’s beloved A303. Let’s keep the archaeology of this ancient land where it is – in-situ please.
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Dr Nash is Erasmus Mundus Professor of the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar, member of the Geosciences Centre of Coimbra University (Quaternary and Prehistory Group) and Research Fellow within the Department of Archaeology & Anthropology, University of Bristol.
The Heritage Journal 
3 comments
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08/02/2017 at 11:15
Edwin Deady
Excellent, Professor! The road is itself an historic monument.
08/02/2017 at 11:45
Andy Heaton
I agree with Dr. Nash; the area around Stonehenge is replete with various barrows, earthworks and other ancient structures and should be protected.
Perhaps the A303 should just be left as it currently stands, using the existing road ‘one-way’ for westbound vehicles ? It would surely be affordable, to find an alternative route to the south, for eastbound traffic – or is a ‘non-tunnel’ option too innovative an option ?.
12/02/2017 at 10:48
solsticepilgrim
Perhaps the A303 should just be left as it currently stands, using the existing road ‘one-way’ for westbound vehicles ? It would surely be affordable, to find an alternative route to the south, for eastbound traffic – or is a ‘non-tunnel’ option too innovative an option?
Exactly! Your definitely along the right lines here. I would however, still keep the existing road as two-way but introduce a westbound bridleway cum Local Access Road (LAR) to the south. This could be a summer only operation and be combined with a large P&R at Solstice Park. It would cost a fraction of the tunnel and be reversible – if deemed inappropriate in the future.