Its opening follows some eight months after the tunnelling work started.

Walkers, riders and cyclists will all be able to benefit from the new route and it will also provide a much-improved crossing point for local residents and for local farmers who need a safe point for getting across the A3.

Highways Agency projects manager Paul Arnold, said: "This underpass is an important stage in creating better access arrangements and is the result of some good cooperation with our contractor, Balfour Beatty."

He added: "We knew that local people saw it as a priority and I am pleased that we have been able to deliver it early in the project."

Hindhead Together project co-ordinator Caroline White, commented: "The Hindhead Together partnership thinks that getting this new access link built as early as possible in these major road improvement works is a great step forward for local people and recreational users.

"It will provide better access for pedestrians, riders and cyclists who like to use the extensive network of local Rights of Way. It restores an important section of one of the long distance paths in the area and its prompt construction and opening is clear recognition of maximising the benefits for local people and businesses arising from the construction of the tunnel and the removal of the existing A3."

Denis Holmes from the Ramblers Association, added: "The Greensand Way is one of the most important long distance paths in the area and we are pleased to see that the early opening of this new underpass has been given priority by the tunnel construction team.

"Our members – and other recreational users – will all benefit."