Search for A303 archaeological specialists kicks off

1 June 2020

We’ve launched a search to find archaeological specialists to carry out excavation and mitigation work ahead of our proposed upgrade of the A303 past Stonehenge. This is expected to take around four months.

This doesn’t pre-empt the Secretary of State for Transport’s decision about our development consent order application – which is now expected by 17 July. We are progressing this procurement process to ensure the project is in the best position to proceed quickly, if we get the green light.

The World Heritage Site around Stonehenge is of national and international importance. We will ensure that archaeological remains are preserved and recorded by commissioning a world class team of archaeological experts.

We will continue to work closely with heritage bodies and the independent A303 scientific committee to ensure the scheme will conserve and enhance the World Heritage Site.

In the meantime, the procurement process for the main works contract has also been continuing with the selection of three bidders. Over the next year we will be participating in dialogue with these bidders before they submit their final tenders, with our preferred bidder expected to be announced in 2021.