Roads Minister 'impressed' by under-land road tunnel

Date: 28/7/2010

Roads Minister Mike Penning has visited the country's longest under-land road tunnel.

The passageway on the A3 at Hinehead has been created to ease traffic congestion and speed up journey times between London and Portsmouth.

A 1.5-mile section of the channel will open next month and the remainder of the tunnel will be finished by summer 2011.

Mike Penning noted the tunnel and bypass will bring advantages for everyone.

"Road users, local people, the environment and the economy will all benefit from this major road upgrade. I am impressed by the scheme's impeccable environmental credentials," he added.

Project Manager from the Highways Agency Paul Arnold explained the tunnel - which costs £371 million - is now structurally complete.

Last week, Rail Minister Theresa Villiers set out a raft of proposals to reform rail franchisees so they are more flexible and dedicated to the needs of passengers.

Posted by Mary Treen