Citation

Stafford J. Proc. Inst. Civ. Eng.-Eng. Sustain. 2013; 166(2): 57-60.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013)

DOI

10.1680/ensu.12.00044

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The successful development of the A3 Hindhead tunnel under the Devil's Punch Bowl in Surrey, UK has been recognised for its engineering excellence as well as through the high level of support for the project locally in recent years. The scheme was over 20 years in the making but the 10 years prior to the opening of the 6.5 km bypass and tunnel in 2011 saw an approach to design and delivery that consistently managed to overcome potential pitfalls. One of the principal determinants of the project's successful route to completion was the strength and effectiveness of the stakeholder and public involvement during the planning and design of the scheme. One of the proposed junctions for the original bypass design was removed from the scheme following consultation. Local recreation user groups were involved in influencing the design of mitigation measures that have greatly improved access and enjoyment of the Devil's Punch Bowl, a renowned natural landmark and designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. However, the participation processes were not seamless; at Public Inquiry the requests from cyclists and some local residents to retain the old A3 were resisted and effectively arbitration between the different recreational stakeholders occurred.

Language: en