Highways England has named the three consortia shortlisted for the £1.7bn upgrade of the A303 between Amesbury and Berwick Down.

The 2-mile tunnelling project and 8-mile dual carriageway through the world heritage site has attracted a European line up of firms from France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Austria.

From next month, the joint ventures will be invited to participate in dialogue with Highways England over a six-month period before submitting their final tenders.

The preferred bidder is expected to be revealed in 2021.

The planned scheme will also include a new bypass to the north of the village of Winterbourne Stoke, with a viaduct over the River Till valley and new junctions with the A345 and A360 either side of the World Heritage Site

Highways England project director Derek Parody said: “We’re looking forward to entering into a competitive procurement process with some of the world’s most highly regarded construction companies, subject of course to planning consent being granted.

“They are all of the highest calibre, with a proven history of delivering complex infrastructure projects, and they are keen to be part of delivering this transformational project.”

Following the six-month development consent order examination last year, the Planning Inspectorate has now sent its report and recommendation to the Transport Secretary and a decision is expected in due course.