Jacob Brown
Plans to make a road underpass under Stonehenge have once again appeared, paving the way for one of the UK’s most contentious construction projects in living memory.
Every year on March 20th, crowds gather at Stonehenge to witness the sunrise on the spring equinox. However, this year, the event was overshadowed by a looming controversy surrounding plans to build a road tunnel beneath the iconic World Heritage site in Wiltshire, England.
Legal Battle and Rejection
In February 2024, a High Court judge dismissed a legal challenge against the construction of the road tunnel, clearing the way for one of the UK’s most contentious infrastructure projects.
The decision sparked outrage among conservationists and activists, including John Adams, chairman of the Stonehenge Alliance, who described it as “a dark day for the UK.”
Long-standing Proposal
The proposal for a tunnel at Stonehenge dates back to the mid-1990s, with estimated costs ballooning to £2.5 billion over the years.
The UK’s National Highways agency argues that the tunnel will alleviate congestion on the A303 road, which currently passes by Stonehenge and offers drivers a view of the ancient stones. The project involves moving the main highway underground and creating a public right of way for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders.
Criticism from Unesco
Despite the government’s rationale, Unesco has condemned the plan, citing concerns that the tunnel would encroach on the World Heritage Site area surrounding Stonehenge.
Unesco warns that the proposed construction could irreparably damage the significant archaeological landscape and has threatened to place Stonehenge on the World Heritage in Danger list.
International Ramifications
Adams underscores the potential international embarrassment if Stonehenge were to be delisted as a World Heritage site, noting that only three sites have ever been delisted, including the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City in 2021.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between conservation and development, with the fate of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks hanging in the balance.
