Experts give evidence to inquiry inspector (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Experts give evidence to inquiry inspector

Inspector Michael Ellison at the Stonehenge inquiry at Salisbury Guildhall.EXPERTS in road building and its consequences have given evidence at the Stonehenge inquiry as the Highways Agency attempts to convince planning inspector Michael Ellison that the tunnel will benefit the environment.

Many objectors are concerned about the impact that boring a 2.1km tunnel through the countryside will have on the landscape, cultural heritage, water table and ecology of the beauty spot, which is rich in wildlife.

But ecologist Dr Michael Wells argued that the overall impact of the scheme would be "temporary" and "of slight significance", as species would benefit from replanting, a 'green corridor' allowing safe passage across the road and the removal of traffic from the stones, which are a habitat for lichen.

Many Amesbury residents protesting against the scheme fear increased noise pollution, but noise and vibration specialist Robert Whiteman told the inquiry that any increase would be minimal.

"Additionally, many residential properties in Winterbourne Stoke would benefit from a moderate to substantial decrease in traffic noise levels," he said.

"Those to the north of the existing A303 would be subject to a slight increase in traffic noise on facades facing the new road."

On safety matters, engineering expert Jonathan Startin said action should be taken to improve the existing stretch of the A303, which is operating close to its ultimate flow capacity at junctions.

"It lacks edge hard-strips over most of its length, its laybys do not comply with modern standards and the carriageway through the village of Winterbourne Stoke is narrower than would be permitted for a new road," he said.

"In addition, the junction with the A344 is well below the standard that would be permitted for a modern road and the geometry of the existing Countess roundabout does not conform to modern standards."

He added that the tunnel, which would cost £1.3 a year to operate, would be constructed with an array of safety measures, including escape routes, CCTV, a public address system, emergency phones and high-power ventilation to provide cooling air in the event of a fire, although no final decision has been taken on installing a sprinkler system.

Traffic and economics witness Trevor Arnold cited the number of crashes on the notorious stretch and said the scheme would bring marginal economic benefit if traffic continued to increase.

"Over the five-year period from January 1 1998 to December 31 2002, there have been a total of 143 personal injury accidents on this section of the A303," he said.

"From these, there were 234 casualties - six fatal, 19 serious and 209 slight.

"Many of these accidents have occurred at the junctions along the routes, such as the Countess roundabout, and at other locations where modern design standards are not met. A detailed economic assessment of the costs and benefits has been carried out.

"This indicates that the published scheme is likely to represent marginal value for money, when considered purely in terms of transport benefits.

"However, the very large investment proposed in the tunnel must also take account of the substantial environmental benefits that would be obtained," Mr Arnold added.