Controversial tunnel planned beneath world famous Stonehenge site

LONDON - A road tunnel beneath Britain's famous Stonehenge landmark was announced recently as part of a $2.1 billion plan to cure a major tourist route that faces regular gridlock. The Stonehenge tunnel will remove the traffic blight on local communities and reconnect two halves of the 2,630 hectare World Heritage site which is currently split by the road, say government officials.

The 2.9 km tunnel will remove the sight and sound of traffic from the Stonehenge landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by over a million people a year, add the officials. It will also ensure traffic headlights do not interfere with annual Solstice gatherings at the landmark site.

In a joint statement, Historic England, the National Trust and English Heritage, said the route will ensure the winter solstice alignment will be unspoiled by lights and traffic from the road.