PLANS to replace a crumbling bridge used by thousands of Hampshire motorists could cost £4 million, it has been revealed.

Civic chiefs have set aside at least £2 million after being warned that the bridge - which carries the busy A35 over a former railway line - would have to be rebuilt.

But a report to senior county councillors says the cost of the scheme is likely to be between £3-£4 million.

As reported in the Daily Echo, a lower speed limit has been imposed on the bridge at Holmsley, after its condition was found to have deteriorated.

Highway bosses cut the restriction from 60mph to 40mph in May as an alternative to closing the 109-year-old arch.

The bridge is next to the former Holmsley railway station and carries traffic over the old line, part of which is now the C10 Brockenhurst to Burley road.

Trains stopped running in 1964 but the British Rail Board retained ownership of the bridge until 2012, when it became the county council’s responsibility. Last year it was revealed that the steel structure was badly corroded and would have to be replaced.

Ideas under discussion include replacing the bridge with a junction, building a new structure or propping up the arch and closing the C10.

But locals have warned that any of the schemes would cause major disruption for motorists.

Cllr Rob Humby, the county council’s executive member for transport, said: “We’re currently looking at a number of options and discussing these with partners to establish a scheme that preserves the character of the New Forest while addressing safety issues.

“Ecology surveys continue and utility investigations are progressing.

“Engineers are regularly inspecting the existing bridge to ensure it remains well maintained until a replacement is designed and constructed. Therefore, at this early stage, there are no confirmed costs or timeframes.”

The issue was raised at a recent meeting of the New Forest Verderers.

The Official Verderer, Lord Manners, said the organisation had received a presentation from the county council about the proposed new bridge and related works on the A35.

He added: “The proposals need to be worked up in greater detail before the consent of the Verderers is sought for the works.

“Accordingly I will make a further announcement when that happens and allow time for any presentments on the subject to be made.”