MP Ruth Kelly says the A3 tunnel scheme "will bring real benefits to local people". The Minister for Transport was at the rock face last Friday to see work start on the north side of what will be the UK's longest road tunnel. Ms Kelly told press corps and local dignitaries, gathered at the northern entrance for the start of tunnelling, not only is the whole project running on time, it is on budget at £370 million. She said: "It was 73 years ago when local people first asked for a bypass for this area. I can only apologise it has taken so long to find the ultimate solution." The project will bring benefits for the entire region, but on a local level, the Hindhead Together group is working with local people and businesses to stimulate creative thinking about the opportunities for the area. Ms Kelly added: "This scheme will bring real benefits to local people, whether they are drivers, horse riders, cyclists or pedestrians, as well as create a better habitat for local wildlife and preserve the beauty of the landscape. "The new tunnel will bury the road deep beneath this protected landscape and ease congestion at this notorious bottleneck – improving journeys on the vital Portsmouth to London route. I congratulate the Highways Agency and its contractor for taking such special care during the site clearance to minimise the impact on the protected species and local wildlife." Mayor of Waverley, Maurice Byham, who welcomed the Secretary of State, told the crowd the tunnel is more than a road scheme, but a catalyst for recreating a local community. He said: "There has been a strong consensus of support for the implementation of this scheme. There was a clear need for an effective solution that's been generated by the long history of bad accidents, the frustrating daily congestion for motorists and business – which has encouraged rat-running through the neighbouring historic towns and villages. "I'm also sure that you can imagine for yourself the community severance that this has brought, the daily problems for the local community trying to cross from either side of the A3. "The second reason for consensus has been an acceptance that the tunnel scheme is the right solution to these problems. There has been a range of other engineering approaches considered, all of which would have brought about much more significant change and devastation. "It would be interesting to speculate on what was the trigger for pursuing the tunnel. I suspect it was the combination of a clear position expressed by the National Trust, a vocal partnership of local town, borough and county councillors and the strong and active support of our local MPs, past and present." The consensus had brought about the integration of a construction team from Balfour Beatty into the community; everyone looking forward to 'the creation of a stunning, tranquil landscape with a special and unique natural ecology'; and forming the Hindhead Together Partnership, made up of local councils, agencies and local business, which was making positive plans for life after the tunnel completion. Before the minister arrived, South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt, told The Herald once the old A3 is closed to traffic and the landscape restored, Hindhead would attract more people back to the area through tourism. He said: "I can understand naturally everyone is worried about the change, but Hindhead can be an important tourist attraction in the future. The problem with the A3 at the moment is it divides Hindhead in half." South East chairman of the regional transport board, Nick Skellett welcomed Ms Kelly to the ceremony. Mr Skellett, who is also Surrey County Council leader, said: "This is a milestone for the project using innovative technology to deliver economic and environmental benefits. It is one of the region's top priorities improving the immediate area in Surrey and removing the biggest bottleneck on the route to south Hampshire. "This project is not only important for the South East but also for links to the Midlands and mainland Europe." The tunnel part of the road is actually two dual carriageway tunnels, 1.8 km in length. They are being drilled 24 hours a day seven days a week at the northern end but six days a week at the southern end to minimise disturbance to residents. The two ends will join next year followed by the installation of electrical and mechanical systems in 2010, before opening in summer 2011. Finally, the existing A3 between the National Trust car park and the Youth Hostel access, will be closed and the Punch Bowl landscape reinstated in 2012. Altogether the new road will be 6.5km (4miles) long. In October 2007 a viewing platform and visitor centre was opened to keep people up-to-date with progress. The platform is just off Footpath 95 near the northern tunnel entrance. Hindhead Together is holding a 'Public Community Exhibition' on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8, for local people to go along and have their say. Caroline White, Hindhead Together co-ordinator, said: "We have commissioned a Concept Statement to set out the principles that redevelopment of the London Road area should follow, after the closure of the A3. A draft has been prepared based on a workshop of stakeholders that included local businesses and residents. "This exhibition presents those ideas and is an opportunity for the community of Hindhead to comment on them, contribute to them and refine the concept statement. "The chance for changes on a scale like this only comes round once and it is vital that we gather the views of as many residents as possible to help get the redevelopment right." For more details call 01428 681055 or 07772 855090 or e-mail caroline@ hindheadtogether.org.uk