Stonehenge tunnel under review

Roads minister Dr Stephen Ladyman will review the Stonehenge tunnel plans on the A303 after the estimated out-turn cost for the Balfour Beatty/Costain project doubled to £470m.

The dramatic increase is put down to two main factors: very large quantities of phosphatic (soft, weak) chalk and a high water table, with the groundwater potentially rising to the surface at times of heavy rainfall. These factors would significantly complicate the tunnelling process and extend the overall construction period.

Dr Ladyman said: "Given the scale of the cost increase, we have to re-examine whether the scheme still represents value for money and if it remains the best option for delivering the desired improvements."

The Department for Transport plans to carry out a "detailed review of the options, consulting relevant environmental interests including, in particular, English Heritage and the National Trust". The review will also consider what implications the delaying of the Stonehenge tunnel will have on the delivery of improvements proposed for other single carriageway sections of the A303 to the west of Stonehenge.

The subsequent delay is likely to push the £470m figure even higher as that figure assumes a spring 2005 construction start date.