AS an announcement was made this week that the cost of the A3 tunnel scheme rocketed by more than £20 million, the Highways Agency project leader stated Òthere is no such thing as a perfect schemeÓ for the road.

Highways Agency project team leader Paul Arnold made the statement at a press conference on Tuesday which was organised to launch the agencyÕs partnership with contractors Balfour Beatty.

Mr Arnold went on to say that because of a Òconflict between town and countryÓ, everybody involved in the project will have to make compromises.

ÒWe have and are continuing to consult with project advisory groups and a wider reference group to discuss all the issues of concern and safety with residents and other stakeholders, and we will be taking all of these issues into account,Ó said Mr Arnold.

But proposals to close the existing section of the A3 which runs around the DevilÕs Punch Bowl after completion of the tunnel remain unchanged in spite of the views of many concerned residents, David Harmer the leader of Waverley Borough Council and Ferris Cowper, East Hampshire district councillor for Grayshott

Attending TuesdayÕs launch held at the DevilÕs Punch Bowl Hotel Highways Agency divisional director Bill Wadrup blamed the huge price increase, which brings the total cost of the scheme to a staggering £150 million, on construction price inflation. He also put the rise in costs down to a decision to extend the southern end of the tunnel further into TyndallÕs Wood. The costings include design fees and land acquisition.

Involving contractors Balfour Beatty and consultant engineers Mott Macdonald, Mr Wadrup said, at this early stage gives better value for money because important advice can be given and adjustments made before the construction begins.

Mr Wadrup added that this early involvement with the contractor would also help to speed up the scheme, and benefit local residents, the environment and road users.

And he outlined the Òpain and gainÓ aspect of the partnership with Balfour Beatty and Mott Macdonald.

ÒShould the cost of the scheme increase beyond our target then the total increase will be shared out between all partners, and should the final cost be less than our target we will all benefit,Ó Mr Wadrup commented.

The latest plans for the scheme show the new section of the road to be nearly four-and-a-quarter miles long, with the tunnel representing just over a mile of that length. The road is proposed to be a dual carriageway with junctions at the northern and southern ends of the new road and small access junctions at Hammer Lane.

In answer to peopleÕs concerns over the proposed closure of the existing A3, Mr Wadrup stressed again to The Herald that compromises will be an important feature of the scheme, but said residents and other concerned parties will be able discuss the proposed closure if there is a public inquiry. The public inquiry, if called for at all, will be held in 2004.

Speaking after the press con ference, local MP for South West Surrey Virginia Bottomley said the overwhelming priority was for the A3 tunnel to be completed as quickly as possible.

ÒPeople are extremely worried about the environmental damage, dangers and delays caused by the Hindhead bottle-neck. The decision that Balfour Beatty is the Highways AgencyÕs appointed contractor is a step in the right direction.

ÒWhilst of course we welcome this news, local people would be even more excited had an acceleration in the timetable been announced,Ó Mrs Bottomley said