The Hindhead Tunnel is a significant infrastructure project in Surrey, England, and is the longest road tunnel in the United Kingdom. Here’s an overview:

Key Facts about the Hindhead Tunnel:

1. Location:
   • The Hindhead Tunnel is located on the A3 road, which is a major route connecting London to Portsmouth. The tunnel passes beneath the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a famous natural landmark in the South Downs National Park.
2. Length and Structure:
   • The tunnel is approximately 1.14 miles (1.83 kilometers) long, making it the longest underland road tunnel in the UK.
   • It consists of two parallel tunnels, one for each direction of traffic, with two lanes in each tunnel.
3. Purpose and Benefits:
   • The Hindhead Tunnel was constructed to bypass the old A3 route, which passed directly through Hindhead and was a notorious traffic bottleneck. The old road caused severe congestion and environmental damage to the Devil’s Punch Bowl area.
   • The tunnel has significantly improved traffic flow, reduced journey times, and enhanced safety on the A3. It has also allowed for the restoration of the Devil’s Punch Bowl, returning the area to its natural state and improving the environment for wildlife.
4. Construction and Opening:
   • Construction of the Hindhead Tunnel began in 2007 and was completed in 2011.
   • The tunnel officially opened to traffic on July 27, 2011, and was a key component of a £371 million road improvement project.
5. Environmental Considerations:
   • The tunnel’s construction was carefully managed to minimize environmental impact. Measures were taken to protect local wildlife, and the old A3 road through the Devil’s Punch Bowl was removed and the area re-landscaped to restore its natural beauty.
   • The project has been praised for its positive environmental impact, particularly in preserving a nationally significant landscape.
6. Engineering and Safety:
   • The Hindhead Tunnel is equipped with modern safety features, including fire detection and suppression systems, CCTV, and emergency evacuation routes.
   • The tunnel is also monitored around the clock from a control center to ensure the safety of all users.
7. Significance:
   • The tunnel is considered a major achievement in civil engineering and infrastructure development in the UK. It has not only improved transport links between London and the south coast but has also set a standard for environmentally sensitive construction projects.