A CAMPAIGN is being launched to restore public access to a historic railway viaduct near Winchester.

Friends of Hockley Viaduct has set itself the goal of transforming the old structure into a tourist attraction.

The viaduct is probably the largest brick and concrete structure in Hampshire and a well-known landmark for thousands of drivers on the M3.

Civic chiefs are discussing a range of measures:

Installing information boards.

Enabling access for the disabled.

Rebuilding a bridge over Five Bridges Road which was demolished in the 1960s.

Linking it with local footpath/cycle-ways.

Reinstalling a railway signal.

The Friends' aim is to keep the issue on the agenda and help push for funds.

The crucial next step is to secure listed status, which would open up sources of funding. The cost of the works could be as much as £100,000. An earlier application in the 1990s for listed status from English Heritage failed, but campaigners are now hopeful that the experts may be swayed by the unique nature of the structure.

Opened in 1891 to carry the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway, it was one of the earliest bridges with a concrete core.

It played a vital role transporting troops and munitions to the coast for the D-Day landings. The viaduct has had a troubled recent history. It carried its last passenger train in 1960 and last freight train in 1967. Winchester resident Chris Webb has played a key role in fighting for the future of the structure.

Mr Webb, of Southgate Street, said the launch of the Friends was a major effort to raise funds to restore it for the use of Winchester people.

"When that happens, I will be absolutely delighted."

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