Future of Holmsley Bridge in the New Forest Up for Discussion
Hampshire County Council is gearing up to decide on the fate of the Holmsley Rail Bridge, a crucial crossing on the A35 from Lyndhurst to Christchurch. The council will review replacement options for the ageing bridge in a key meeting on 21 March.
Bridge in Trouble: Time for Action
Councillor Seán Woodward, Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, has been closely monitoring the bridge since it came under council control in 2012. He admits the structure is deteriorating and “will need to be replaced if it is to remain open to all traffic.”
“We’ve been saving for this work since 2012,” said Woodward. “Now the time has come to seriously consider replacement options to keep this vital route through the New Forest open.”
Consultations and Challenges Ahead
If the council gives the green light, a complex engineering project will get underway. Woodward promises thorough consultations with local authorities, Verderers, the Forestry Commission, National Park Authority, businesses, and residents.
He added: “We’ll need to manage utility diversions, environmental impacts, and traffic diversions. This won’t be quick or easy, but it’s necessary given the bridge’s condition and unique construction.”
A Historic Structure with a Changing Role
- The Holmsley Rail Bridge was originally built in 1847 and rebuilt in 1908.
- It carried trains until 1964, when the line was closed.
- Since then, the bridge has spanned the C10 Burley to Sway/Brockenhurst road.
- The old railway structure was handed over to Hampshire County Council in 2012.
This bridge is just one of several redundant railway structures in Hampshire once owned by British Rail Board (Residuary) Ltd.
Whatever the decision, it’s clear that the Holmsley Bridge is on borrowed time. The upcoming council meeting will set the path forward for this key New Forest crossing.
