Assessment of proposals Hindhead Tunnel

devil s punch bowl seen old a3 (before closure)

the need improvements a3 through hindhead had been recognised many years route study being undertaken between 1970 , 1976. in 1983 9 alternatives a3 investigated department transport, assessment showed 1 went around north , west side of punch bowl (the red route ), crossing smallbrook valley viable. public consultation on route met opposition , 2 alternatives suggested both of drew less support proposed route in 1988 became preferred route. subsequent environmental surveys showed route have substantial adverse impacts resulting in proposal adapt earlier scheme including tunnel avoid sensitive parts of route. scheme entered government’s targeted programme of improvements in 2001.

a public inquiry held in september 2004 hear objections , consider alternatives proposal. among alternative proposals 1 surface route following more westerly line avoid building tunnel (an adaptation of red route ). despite being more expensive building surface road, tunnel preferred after 2 alternative surface schemes rejected on environmental grounds.

the decision put part of road in tunnel pushed cost of project £371 million, underground section costing £155,000 per metre (£142,000 per yard) making section of road second expensive road in uk per unit distance, after limehouse link tunnel.