A MAJOR road could be closed while a crumbling bridge is demolished.

Work to replace Holmsley Rail Bridge in the New Forest could shut the A35 or see a temporary overpass built.

The 100-year-old road bridge is on a main route from Southampton to Bournemouth but its steel is corroding.

Hampshire County Council has set aside £2 million for the work and four options have been published.

They include removing the bridge entirely, requiring a major new junction; replacing it on the current site, either by closing the A35 or erecting a temporary bridge during construction; rebuilding it three metres to the east, keeping the A35 open but cutting down trees to make way; and delaying demolition, potentially propping the bridge up and closing Station Road.

Transport chief cllr Rob Humby ordered a study which is hoped to set out costs and timescales for each option.

A council spokeswoman said: “The bridge is more than 100-years-old, it is deteriorating and will require replacement in due course.

“We are still in the very early stages, and identifying all the possible options and examining each one will take some months to complete. We also need sufficient time to consult with the local community and partners before a final decision could be made on a preferred option to be taken forward.

“We recognise that local residents and businesses will have concerns about potential disruption when work to replace the bridge does start, and we will do everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum. We will also put in place measures to support local businesses, such as additional signage on any diversion routes.”

The bridge was opened as a brick arch in 1847 and was replaced by the current steel structure in 1908.

Holmsley Railway Station was closed in 1964 when the line was replaced by the C10 Station Road from Burley to Brockenhurst. It is now a tea room.

The bridge was previously owned by the British Rail Board but was transferred to the council in 2012.

The steady deterioration of its steel plates and rivets has been monitored by the council while it saved for work.