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Govt Scrap Stonehenge Tunnel Scheme

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Jim-Rayner J
Jim-Rayner Jul 21, 2005 18:22:19
Replying to moss

One of the main issues about Stonehenge apart from the vistors centre (V.C.) and A303 is the A344.

Agreement has already been reached on closing the A344 and this was not part of the 2004 public inquiry. However, some people seem to think that the A344 can only be closed as part of this wider A303 tunnel & new V.C. project.

There is in my opinion absolutly no reason why the A344 cannot be closed right now between the current visitors centre and Stonehenge Bottom (the junction with the A303).

Why?
1. Agreement has already been reached by all the main parties to close the road.
2. All traffic can then access the current V.C. via the A303 / A360.
3. The upper part of the A344 from the A360 can remain, as access to the current V.C.
4. Its cost effective.
5. This will reunite the Heel Stone with the rest of the circle in a dignified way.
6. The subway tunnel from the present V.C. could be closed and the current V.C given a spruce up until a sustainable longer term solution can be found.
7. Stonehenge Bottom the junction between the A344 and A303 is the most dangerous blackspot on the whole A303 route and it has the highest record of accidents. This is one the main problems with the A303 and can be easily be solved.

The A344 between the present visitors centre and the A303 junction has got to go and the sooner the better.

Jim

V VenerableBottyBurp
VenerableBottyBurp Jul 23, 2005 14:46:01
Replying to Jim-Rayner

You are quite right Jim. But they were never going to close the 344 prior to getting the go-ahead for the rest of it precisely because the closure of the 344 would make such a massive improvement that someone might question the need for the new visitor centre and road closure scheme.

Personally I would like to see a big public push to get the 344 closed and then get the walkway tunnel filled and the buildings demolished with all the huts withdrawn to Airman's corner. Put a temporary car park on that chain plastic stuff, and leave the tarmac of the 344 in place up to the stones for the disabled. Live with this for say 5 years and see how it progresses, then make further changes or big plans if needed. Trouble is there are too many egos in EH hoping for imortality on the big picture.

All this will require quite a lot of geofizz of course, do you know any good ones Jim ?

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