A design for a bridge replacing a level crossing at Ufton Nervet, in Berkshire has been unveiled by Network Rail.

The firm said work on the structure would start in 2016, subject to planning permission.

Julian Burnell, from Network Rail, said the bridge had been "specifically designed to blend in with the environment as much as possible".

He said it would be no more than 9m (29ft) high and would have earth banks on either side and be planted with native trees.

"Notoriety" and "misuse" of the level crossing had led to the need for a bridge, Mr Burnell said.

He added that it had "been in the pipeline for a very long time".

Network Rail said it had been working closely with West Berkshire Council on the plans and hoped to submit a planning application after the election.

The council said the bridge proposal was not a "joint partnership" with Network Rail, but added it had received amended plans from the firm after its "initial safety concerns".

The authority added it would "carefully assess those before responding".

Once work starts, the rail firm said it would take less than 12 months to complete.

Mr Burnell said Network Rail had closed 900 level crossings over the past five years, with 600 more expected to close by the end of 2019.