CIVIC Chiefs have agreed to spend £5.5 million to replace an ageing road bridge that is a key route through the New Forest.

Holmsley Bridge on the A35 which runs over the C10 Burley to Sway/Brockenhurst road in the New Forest will be replaced, and about 380m of the A35 will be re-aligned.

Rob Humby, the executive member for environment and transport, said: “We’ve been monitoring this bridge since it became the county council’s responsibility in 2012 to ensure it could continue to be used by all traffic.

“We have known that the bridge was deteriorating and that we would need to replace it and to keep the route open for as long as possible. Last summer the speed limit was reduced, we installed temporary barriers, and added additional steel supports under the bridge. We’ve essentially been saving up for this work since 2012.

“The new single span integral concrete bridge will minimise maintenance costs, while the improvements to A35 will enhance drainage in the area and ensure safer travel on this key route through the New Forest.”

He added: “We have been working closely and extensively with the New Forest National Park Authority, Verderers, Natural England and Forestry Commission throughout to make sure this scheme is carried out sensitively in this unique part of Hampshire.

“Local councillors, nearby residents, and local businesses have been contacted as part of the scheme development and this will continue during the construction phases. I would like to emphasise that the Old Station Tea Rooms will be open for business throughout the works.”

To keep traffic flowing, the new bridge will be built alongside the existing bridge, and then the old steel bridge removed.

It is anticipated that utility diversions and ecological clearance work will start in the autumn with the main works starting in early 2020.

Full road closures and lane closures on the A35 will be required for some operations while the bridge is being replaced and the new lengths of road are tied into the existing A35 and junction. Every effort will be made to minimise these and signed diversion routes will be in place. The road below the bridge, the C10, will be temporarily closed while new piled foundations and deck are installed and when the existing structure is demolished.