On Friday, Britain’s Department of Transport approved construction of a tunnel between Amesbury and Berwick Down, near Stonehenge, reports say. BBC. For this reason, even the Protected Buildings Ordinance of 1882 is being violated, as an investment of 1.7 billion pounds, roughly 740 billion forints, means that the environment of the landmark over 5,000 years old is being damaged.
At the same time, the construction of the tunnel is necessary because the A303 main road alone can no longer handle the passing traffic. However, thanks to these transformations, four lanes instead of two lanes will be opened for motorists, which will greatly facilitate traffic movement between the southwestern part of the country and London.
Years ago, the idea of building a tunnel next to Stonehenge sparked fierce protests from local residents. (Photo: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
Despite regular overcrowding, often several kilometers in length, the project still faced stiff opposition. Even the Planning Inspectorate admitted that the tunnel would cause “irreversible, permanent damage” to Stonehenge. Preparations stalled for a while, as the building plans were challenged in the High Court citing World Heritage.
To date, it has not been announced when construction of the tunnel will begin, or when the section adjacent to Stonehenge will be handed over.
source: BBC
Image source(s): Editorial photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
