The A303 is set to be transformed into a tunnel underneath the ancient monument in a bid to remove traffic eyesore.

Plans to lay down a two-mile long tunnel under the Stonehenge as part of a £2billion scheme has finally been given the green light after years of delays.

The government confirmed the busy A303 road, which passes the Stonehenge in Wiltshire, will be moved into a 1.8-mile dual-carriageway tunnel called the Stonehenge Tunnel.

Government officials say the new tunnel would get rid of traffic eyesore for tourists visiting the World Heritage Site.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the plan will "transform" the A303, "cutting congestion and improving journey times".

He said: "It will also boost the economy, linking people with jobs and businesses with customers."

But environmental activists claim the controversial tunnel will cause "irreparable damage" to Stonehenge.

Here's everything you need to know about the government's road investment:

What is the Stonehenge Tunnel?

Stonehenge Tunnel is a planned tunnel in Wiltshire, drawn up by the Highways Agency to upgrade the A303 road which passes the Stonehenge.

It would move the A303 into a tunnel under the popular tourist site.

The project was designed to improve the landscape around the monument and improve safety.

It is part of a £2billion government scheme to upgrade all remaining sections of the road between the M3 and M5.

A major international report published in May last year concluded that a tunnel could benefit Stonehenge if the scheme is well designed and constructed.

Heritage groups, which manage the area have previously said it would make the setting of the ancient stone circle more tranquil, give the public greater access to the wider prehistoric landscape and improve the environment for wildlife.

When will the Stonehenge Tunnel be built?

Construction is expected to start in 2020 and be completed by 2029.

In the meantime, a public consultation to get the views of drivers and residents will run until 5 March.

The preferred route will be unveiled later this year.

Where does the A303 go?

The A303 is a major road in southern England, which carries up to 30,000 vehicles a day, and passes within a few hundred metres of the Stonehenge.

The single carriageway runs between Basingstoke in Hampshire and Honiton in Devon via Stonehenge, connecting to the M3 and the A30.

It is part of one of the main routes from London to South West England - which runs to Land's End in Cornwall.

The A303 is also part of one of the main routes from London to the Glastonbury Festival.

In 2014, the A303 was one of several routes earmarked for improvement by the government as part of a £15billion "roads revolution" for England.

Former Prime Minister, David Cameron, said the road "held parts of our country back".

Has the Stonehenge tunnel route been altered?

The tunnel was planned to be dug south of the stones, but concerns over how it would impact the winter solstice has seen it altered.

The government announced on Monday, September 11 that it will instead be dug along the route of the existing A303.

Campaigners say this calls for a "complete rethink" of the plan, while Historic England, the National Trust and English Heritage said it would "restore peace and tranquillity" to the landscape "if designed with care".

Source: The Sun