Government Dumps £179m A303 Stonehenge Tunnel After Two Decades of Drama
After nearly 20 years and a staggering £179 million spent, the Government has finally pulled the plug on the controversial A303 tunnel plan near Stonehenge. The decision ends one of Britain’s longest-running and most bitter infrastructure battles.
Transport Secretary Blames ‘Exceptional Circumstances’ for Scrapping Scheme
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander officially revoked the development consent order, citing a “substantial change in the scheme’s deliverability.” Officials say the tunnel no longer aligns with “current strategic policy objectives.” The Department for Transport confirmed fresh infrastructure plans will now be drawn up — but gave no timeline.
The project was already shelved in 2024 due to soaring costs, despite gaining planning permission just a year earlier. The original vision included a bored tunnel beneath this precious World Heritage Site, two new junctions, and a northern bypass. Now, it’s dead in the water.
Fury From Local Officials, Cheers From Heritage Warriors
- Wiltshire Council slammed the decision. Martin Smith, the council’s highways lead, called it “a huge blow,” while leader Ian Thorne branded scrapping the scheme “completely unacceptable.” They insisted the plan was a rare chance to ease gridlock on one of the South West’s busiest roads.
- Heritage campaigners celebrated victory. Mike Birkin of Stonehenge Alliance warned the tunnel “would have caused enormous damage” to this priceless prehistoric landscape. He pointed out that UNESCO and planning inspectors had condemned the scheme — yet it was pushed through regardless.
- Birkin suggested the £179 million spent so far would be better invested in improving South West rail links instead.
What Now? Still No Clear Plan, More Delays Loom
The cash poured into preparatory work is now lost. The Department for Transport has yet to reveal what will replace the tunnel plan or when new projects will kick off. Meanwhile, drivers and heritage lovers are left hanging, waiting to see what comes next.
