The work involves the drilling of 12 boreholes to determine ground conditions and monitor groundwater levels.
ÒIt forms part of the investigations being undertaken to provide twin tunnels beneath Hindhead Common for the realignment of the A3 to take trunk road traffic out of the centre of the village,Ó said John Martin, the schemeÕs project sponsor.
The Highways Agency has consulted with the National Trust, English Nature and the Environment Agency over the work, which has been timed to avoid disturbance to ground nesting birds. An ecologist will be closely monitoring the work.
Each borehole will take one or two weeks to complete. The contract has been awarded to Berkshire-based company Soil Mechanics.
A spokesman for the Highways Agency said the contractors will make every effort to minimise any convenience to local residents and the general public.
The twin bore tunnel will be 1.7 km long, with cross passages every 100 metres.
In June it was identified as a priority for the region by the South East Regional Assembly, a body that advises the government on transport.
Members of the assembly stated that the long awaited scheme was the best way forward to relieve the traffic bottleneck along the A3 at Hindhead.
Bids from contractor and designer teams to build and design the road are currently being assessed, and it is expected that one will be appointed in September.
ÒThe design period will involve local, regional and national bodies,Ó a Highways Agency spokesman said, Òas we are committed to an integrated working relationship with all those affected.Ó
Draft orders will be published in summer 2003, and, if required, a public inquiry will take place in 2004. Work is expected to start in 2005, with a completion date of 2009.