Residents living in villages near Didcot fear they could face months of disruption and longer car journeys when Rail bosses build a new bridge.

Lawyer Jeremy Burnett Rae is campaigning for residents to be kept properly informed about Network Rail’s plan to demolish Fulscot rail bridge near South Moreton and build a new one.

The barrister runs charity Oxfordshire Community Conservation and Rural Trusts (OXCCARTS) and says the work could mean the road over the bridge is closed for months.

The hump-backed bridge, on the narrow unclassified road, crosses the main London-Bristol railway line where trains approach speeds of 125mph.

Mr Burnett Rae, who last year campaigned to save Didcot Magistrates’ Court but was unable to prevent it from closing due to cuts, wants to alert residents of North and South Moreton, the Astons and East Hagbourne of plans to close the road linking the A4130 near Didcot Tesco and South Moreton.

The 58-year-old, who lives in South Moreton, said the road could be closed for several months from 2013.

He added: “As well as railway commuters, and parents and children on the South Moreton Primary School run, residents in East Hagbourne and South Moreton could be severely inconvenienced by diverted traffic.

“Network Rail’s management of the recent partial rebuilding of the Sands Road bridge in South Moreton does not bode well for the planning of the demolition and we are urging residents to contact their local councillors and Network Rail.

“People could also be consulted about the design of the bridge and how it will fit in with an area of outstanding natural beauty.

“I think it would be better if the work on the bridge was carried out during the summer.”

John Houston, who runs South Moreton Boxing Club, said: “It’s a hugely useful route over the bridge from the village through to the A4130.

“A lot of our customers come from Didcot so it would be a disaster if the bridge closed for months.

“People do need to be kept informed about the plans for this.”

Traffic was diverted on August 15 last year when inspection work was carried out at the bridge and drivers were asked to use the A4130 instead.

Network Rail spokesman Sam Kelly said: “A number of bridges along the railway will need to be altered in preparation for electrification of the line between London and Oxford.

“The work will provide the extra clearance needed for overhead wires to power trains. At this very early stage timetables have not been agreed. We are working with the relevant authorities and will inform residents and businesses of our plans as soon as they are confirmed.”