Related pages

• Background
• Why a road improvement is proposed
• Choice of route
• Junction options
• Consultation arrangements
• Responses
• Analysis of the responses
• Partnering approach
• The views of the Highways Agency
• The decision of the secretary of state
• What happens next?
• Further information
• Map

A303 Stonehenge (incorporating the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass) Preferred Route Announcement June 1999

The views of the Highways Agency

The public consultation has demonstrated that there is considerable support for the proposed A303 Stonehenge (incorporating the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass) scheme.

Having carefully considered the views of all respondents and other information collected on the design of the scheme and its environmental effects, the Highways Agency recommend that the Secretary of State protect the preferred route, including the cut and cover tunnel, as shown on the plan.

The recommended preferred route differs from the route shown at the public consultation in the following respects:

• The line has been moved slightly to the north where it passes Scotland Lodge Farm to minimise the direct impact on that landholding.
  
  
• The section of the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass east of the B3083 has been modified by moving it north by up to 150m to reduce the direct impact on the residents of the village and Manor Farm. This also avoids an area of springs.
  
  
• The route has been moved south of the existing Longbarrow crossroads junction to allow space for a new junction whilst minimising the impact on the highly sensitive archaeology in the area. The design of the new junction will not be finalised until further extensive environmental assessment has been completed.
  
  
• The extension of the scheme to include the improvement of Countess roundabout has been agreed in principle. Further detailed assessment is in progress.