Roundup: Road tunnel planned beneath Britain's famous Stonehenge

Plans for tunnel under Stonehenge, one of Britain's most famous landmarks, were unveiled Thursday.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced the tunnel scheme under Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as part of a 2 billion pound (2.4 billion U.S. dollars) project to solve traffic problems around the 25 square km site.

Stonehenge, acknowledged as one of the wonders of the world, is the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe, dating back more than 5,000 years.

English Heritage, the official cultural body which looks after the site, has been concerned about the tens of thousands of vehicles that thunder past Stonehenge every day.

The agency has complained that heavy traffic and constant noise from the road compromises enjoyment and understanding of the monument. It also said a busy main road cuts the stones off from much of the surrounding ancient landscape and many prehistoric monuments.

A scheme for a tunnel was first proposed more than two years ago when the government first put forward the idea of a tunnel of at least 2.9 km to remove much road traffic away from Stonehenge. English Heritage has welcomed the announcement as a "momentous decision."

The scheme is likely to generate opposition from some campaigners who say only a longer tunnel, of more than 4 kilometers will properly protect Stonehenge.

Critics have expressed fears the glow of lights from a tunnel would harm the original purpose of the Stonehenge circle of stones to celebrate the winter solstice.

Currently a single carriageway runs alongside, but the Department for Transport said a wider road with a tunnel will improve journey times and remove the sight and sound of traffic around one of the area's main tourist attractions.

Secretary Grayling said: "This major investment in the south-west will transform the A303 and benefit those locally by cutting congestion and improving journey times. It will also boost the economy, linking people with jobs and businesses with customers."

Motorists, hauliers, residents and other road users are to be given their say on the proposal at a series of exhibitions in the area.

Highways England Chief Executive Jim O'Sullivan said: "Our plans for the A303 recognise the national importance of the route."

Last month, thousands of people headed to Stonehenge for the winter solstice. This is when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun and England experiences its shortest day - and longest night - of the year. Visitors are able to catch a glimpse of the sunrise above the iconic stones. Endit