24 Hour Museum - official guide to UK museums, galleries, exhibitions and heritage
Gateway to Over 3,000 UK museums, galleries and heritage attractions
Skip to navigation
New Stonehenge Traffic Proposals Meet With Fierce Criticism
By Graham Spicer
23/01/2006
Image: Shows a photo of the stone circle at Stonehenge
New traffic proposals around Stonehenge have been criticised by the National Trust and archaeology groups. © English Heritage
New government proposals for reducing traffic congestion around Stonehenge have been criticised by archaeological groups and the National Trust.
The proposals were outlined on January 23 2006 after the cost of a previous scheme to create a 2.1 kilometre tunnel soared to £510 million.
The new plans include a scheme that would install new roads either to the north or south of the site, a ‘cut and cover’ tunnel past Stonehenge or an option featuring the closure of the nearby A344 and construction of the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass.
But the National Trust, which manages the land around the site, has responded with fierce criticism of the new plans.
The A303 (left) and A344 (right) sees high levels of traffic congestion and the junction is an accident blackspot.
“The government has failed one of the world’s most famous landscapes,” read a statement released on January 23 2006. “These schemes will not return the world famous stones to the tranquillity they deserve and threaten to damage valuable archaeology.”
“The government has failed both to undertake a detailed review of the options and to consult environmental and heritage organisations at a stage of the process which would afford a real opportunity to input into this review.”
Stonehenge became a World Heritage Site in 1986 and solutions to the problem of heavy traffic on surrounding roads have been sought since 1991.
Following a Public Enquiry in 2004, the Inspector recommended a new dual carriageway should be built along with the 2.1 kilometre-long bored tunnel, however the rising costs prompted Ministers to request a review to identify lower cost options.
A 2.1 kilometre bored tunnel was proposed but project costs have risen sharply, prompting the new proposals.
A public consultation period for the latest proposals will run until April 24 2006 and the National Trust has called on the government to use this time to consider alternatives to the options it has outlined.
In a separate statement the Council for British Archaeology (CBA), Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (WANHS) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) supported the National Trust’s views:
“ICOMOS-UK, the CBA and the WANHS consider that the review options now being offered amount to a token consultation lacking a long-term vision that respects the international significance of Stonehenge as a world heritage site,” it said.
“We urge the review group to consider other preferable options that would better reflect the status and value of the overall Stonehenge landscape.”
Image: Shows a photo of a sunset or sunrise behind the stone circle at Stonehenge
Stonehenge was made a World Heritage Site in 1986 and solutions to nearby traffic problems have been sought since 1991. © English Heritage
Also quick to respond to the proposals were the RSPB who raised concerns that new roads could destroy nesting and roosting sites of the rare stone curlew and harm prospects of more than 25 other bird species and at least 14 types of butterfly.
Tony Richardson, Director of the RSPB’s South-West Region, said: “A completely new road through the Stonehenge site is unthinkable not only because of its obvious archaeological value but also because of the public outcry it will spark amongst the millions of people who value Britain’s wildlife.”
The government plans to publish a report by early summer 2006 setting out the results of the new consultation period. Prior to that public exhibitions will be held at the White Hart Hotel in Salisbury from February 9-11 and at The Society of Antiquaries, London from February 17-18.
Stephen Ladyman, Minister of State for Transport, said: “I hope that everyone with an interest in this important issue will take the opportunity to contribute to the review process. I am keen to take account of as many views as possible before deciding on an option that will be in keeping with the special requirements of the location as well as being affordable, realistic and deliverable.”
Stonehenge
Stonehenge, SP4 7DE, Wiltshire, England
Open: Opening Times:16th - 23rd October: 0930 - 1700; 24th October - 15 March: 0930 - 1600; 16th March - 31st May: 0930 - 1800; 1st June - 31st August: 0900 - 1900, 1st September - 15th October: 0930 - 1800.
Recommended last admissions no later than 30 mins before closing time. Stonehenge will be closed promptly 20 mins after advertised time.
Related Articles
Archaeologists Date Stonehenge And Say It Was A Healing Centre
Stonehenge Proposals Go On Show At Wiltshire Heritage Museum
Summer 2008 Holiday Ideas At UK Heritage Sites And Museums
Stonehenge Latest - More Plans Put Forward For Consultation
Stonehenge - Public Consultation Begins In Mid-July
News In Brief - Week Ending June 15 2008
Archaeologists Return To Stonehenge To Unlock Its Mysteries
E-news registration
E-mail story to a friend
Tell us what you think
Black Watch Museum Appeal Seeks To Raise £3million
News In Brief - Museums, Galleries And Heritage News
Newly-Accredited Medical College Invests In Mysterious Portrait
Photos Of WWII Codecrackers Go On Sale At Bletchley Park
Painting Returns To Queen Victoria's Dressing Room After 166-Year Absence
Cartoon Awards Ceremony Celebrates UK's Top Scribblers At Mall Galleries
Made08 - The Brighton Craft Fair 2008
Library Thief To Be Sentenced At Wood Green Crown Court Today
New Look For The Relaunched Garden Museum In Lambeth
Write Queer London Competition Holds Inspiration Day At The British Museum
Downs House Darwin Discovery Project Wins Funding Go-Ahead
British Museum Gets Set For Historic Egyptian Tomb Gallery
Stunning Wedgwood Relaunch Celebrates Potteries Heritage
Library Bid To Save Earliest Surviving Score Of Opera In English Language
Ryedale Folk Museum Lands Significant Harrison Collection
Portable Antiquities Scheme Is Fit For Purpose Say MLA
Leading Academics Call For Art Funding Support In Wake Of Titian Pledge
Glasgow Police Museum Edges Closer To A New Home
Search this site
Home Page
News Page
Exhibition Page
What's On
Trails Page
Website of the Week
Letters Page
Welsh Home
Graphical Version
Copyright © 24 Hour Museum
Information published here was believed to be correct at the time it was prepared. Welsh language pages developed with CYMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.