Drivers urged to plan A303 journey ahead of Winter Solstice at Stonehenge
Traffic measures announced for 21st December event
Drivers travelling along the A303 in Wiltshire this weekend are being encouraged to plan ahead due to the Winter Solstice event at Stonehenge.
The event, which takes place the morning of Sunday, 21st December, will see Stonehenge open for visitors celebrating the solstice. English Heritage is offering a live-streamed sunrise for those unable to attend in person and is advising attendees to use public transport from Salisbury city centre, as on-site parking is now sold out.
Car parking and route changes
Access to the Monument Field at Stonehenge will open from 5.15am for vehicles that have pre-booked parking. Motorists have been warned not to park on verges or abandon their cars along the A303 and nearby roads.
Traffic management measures will be in place, with access restrictions on the A303 and A360 roads around Stonehenge. National Highways advises that solstice traffic should follow the diversion directions:
Solstice traffic approaching from the A303 will be diverted via the A345 north from the Countess roundabout
Northbound traffic on the A360 from Longbarrow roundabout will not be permitted
A 40mph speed limit will apply between the Countess and Longbarrow roundabouts
Lay-bys along the affected stretch of the A303 will also be closed.
Public urged to check updates
Kathryn Wiltshire, South West Resilience Planner at National Highways, said that traffic management intends to ensure safety and minimise disruption.
“As we’ve done for previous solstice events, traffic management will be in place for safety and to keep disruption to a minimum.
In view of a potential increase in traffic volumes for the Christmas getaway, we advise all road users to check our traffic and travel information channels, plan their journeys, and allow plenty of time.”
Motorists can check real-time travel updates from National Highways’ Twitter account @HighwaysSWEST, on the traffic website www.trafficengland.com , or through the Information Line on 0300 123 5000.