Steps are being taken to protect bat colonies during bridge works on the border of Surrey and Hampshire.
Surrey County Council said it would not begin the maintenance scheme, in Ash Vale, until it had ascertained whether bats were present under two structures.
It said the Basingstoke Canal, which the A321 Vale Road and a footbridge run over, was a route used by the animals between their roosts and feeding areas.
If no bats are present, work is due to begin on 14 January.
But if any are found the council would then have to seek a special licence from the government to have them safely relocated to a different roost.
A 16-week programme of refurbishment and replacement is planned for the two bridges.
"This is a bridge full of history in an attractive and environmentally important area"
The 92-year-old road bridge is recognised by Guildford Borough Council as a building of historic interest, so the refurbishment works will attempt to retain much of its character.
As well as protecting bats, the county council has also taken into account the presence of three endangered bird species in a nearby nature reserve by ensuring the maintenance takes place outside their breeding season.
Councillor David Munro said: "This is a bridge full of history in an attractive and environmentally important area, and we want to make sure it is able to survive for many years to come."
It is expected the Basingstoke Canal will remain open throughout the project, but with a restricted width at certain times.
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