A303
A303 | ||||
Location Map ( geo) | ||||
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From: | Popham (SU552447) | |||
To: | Upottery (ST218075) | |||
Distance: | 95 miles (152.9 km) | |||
Meets: | M3, A30, A34, B3048, A3093, A3057, A343, B3042, A342, A338, B3084, A3028, A345, A360, B3083, A36, A350, B3089, B3095, B3092, B3081, A371, A359, B3151, A37, A372, A3088, B3165, A356, A358, B3168, B3170 | |||
Former Number(s): | A30, B3049, A342, A344, A3036, A372, A358 | |||
Primary Destinations | ||||
Highway Authorities | ||||
Traditional Counties | ||||
Route outline (key) | ||||
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For the original route in London, a short road between Vauxhall and Wandsworth, replaced by the A3036, see A303 (Vauxhall - Wandsworth).
Introduction
The A303 is the middle section of the London to Exeter trunk road. It takes a more northerly route across Salisbury plain than the A30 and is a mixture of high quality D2 dual carriageway, and congested single carriageway. Passing places like Andover, Stonehenge, and Wincanton, it also carries much of the summer seasonal traffic between London and the south-west.
Route
The A303 has a variety of standards along its route. From a high quality grade-separated dual-carriageway in the east, it ends up as a winding single-carriageway road in the west, with various standards in between. The route description examines them.
History
The current A303 began life in 1933, cobbling together various different roads to make a coherent through route. Made up of lots of various roads, some dating to 2000 BC in the Stonehenge area, it has had a vast array of improvements. When the M3 opened, the A303 and not the A30 became the main trunk road between Basingstoke and Devonshire House.
Future
Expressway proposals
In December 2017, it was proposed that the A303 in England could be upgraded to an expressway as part of the proposals to introduce a new type of road network. The proposal includes different expressway types with an aspiration that the highest quality expressways will be given motorway designation and an Ax(M) number. (Source: Highways England Strategic Road Network Initial Report)
Notable locations and improvements
Bullington Cross
The first major junction for the A303 after the M3 going West, Bullington Cross is a major junction. This is where the A30 leaves the A303 behind and is also the junction for the A34.
Stonehenge Bottom
Stonehenge Bottom was the junction for Stonehenge and the A344. It was very busy throughout the year, especially around the time of the Solstice. The junction was closed in June 2013.
Podimore Roundabout
Podimore Roundabout links the A303, the A37 and A372 near Ilchester. It is flared for future grade separation.
Opening dates
Month | Year | Section | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1933 | Whole road | A303 created. | |
April | 1958 | Whole road | Gains trunk road status |
1983 | Popham - Bullington | D2 (online) with Micheldever deviation | |
Sept 12 | 1969 | Andover | D2 by-pass |
Oct 30 | 1985 | Weyhill | D2 by-pass |
Oct | 1988 | Thruxton - Amesbury | D2 dualling |
Aug 12 | 1969 | Amesbury | D2 by-pass |
1976 | Mere | D2 by-pass | |
March 8 | 1977 | Wincanton | D2 by-pass |
Oct 25 | 1989 | Sparkford | D2 by-pass |
Aug 23 | 1977 | Ilchester | D2 bypass |
Dec 13 | 1990 | Ilchester - South Petherton | D2 (online) |
July 19 | 1988 | Ilminster | S2+1 bypass |
Aug 23 | 1988 | Horton | S2 bypass |
1976 | Marsh | D2 by-pass |
Links
Roads UK
National Highways
- Stonehenge Improvements consultation document January 2017
- Sparkford to Ilchester March 2017 (archive.org)
legislation.gov.uk
Videos