Shadow over Stonehenge: High Court Approves Controversial Road Tunnel Project, Threatening Unesco World Heritage Status
A High Court judge has approved plans to build a road tunnel under Stonehenge, despite objections from those concerned about the potential impact on the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The decision comes despite annual gatherings at Stonehenge to witness the sunrise on the spring equinox, which was overshadowed this year by the looming construction project.
The tunnel is one of the UK's most controversial projects due to concerns over the preservation of the historic site.
John Adams, chairman of the Stonehenge Alliance, expressed concern over plans to build a tunnel under Stonehenge, comparing it to building a bypass over the Egyptian pyramids or a flyover at the Gardens of Versailles.
The tunnel project, first proposed in the mid-1990s, has seen estimated costs surge up to £2.5bn.
The UK's National Highways agency argues that the tunnel will reduce congestion on the A303 road, which currently offers drivers a view of Stonehenge.
The main highway will be moved underground and replaced with a public right of way for walkers, cyclists, and horse-riders.
National Highways proposes building a tunnel near Stonehenge to improve visitor experience by restoring the landscape to its original setting.
However, UNESCO criticizes the plan as the tunnel would encroach on the World Heritage Site's archaeological landscape, which is significant and largely unexcavated.
The tunnel is one of the UK's most controversial projects due to concerns over the preservation of the historic site.
John Adams, chairman of the Stonehenge Alliance, expressed concern over plans to build a tunnel under Stonehenge, comparing it to building a bypass over the Egyptian pyramids or a flyover at the Gardens of Versailles.
The tunnel project, first proposed in the mid-1990s, has seen estimated costs surge up to £2.5bn.
The UK's National Highways agency argues that the tunnel will reduce congestion on the A303 road, which currently offers drivers a view of Stonehenge.
The main highway will be moved underground and replaced with a public right of way for walkers, cyclists, and horse-riders.
National Highways proposes building a tunnel near Stonehenge to improve visitor experience by restoring the landscape to its original setting.
However, UNESCO criticizes the plan as the tunnel would encroach on the World Heritage Site's archaeological landscape, which is significant and largely unexcavated.
