Highways England is looking for archaeological specialists to carry out excavation work ahead of the A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down upgrade past Stonehenge.

Following the selection of three bidders for the main works procurement, it’s begun the search for “a world class team of archaeological experts to undertake work, should planning consent be granted”.

Highways England Project Director Derek Parody said, “The World Heritage Site around Stonehenge is a heritage site of national and international importance. We want to ensure that archaeological remains are preserved and recorded, in advance of scheme construction, by commissioning appropriate archaeological expertise.”

Parody adds that the procurement process in “no way” pre-empts the granting of a Development Consent Order, which is subject to a decision by the Secretary of State.

The proposed A303 upgrade is expected to cost £1.7 billion.