Crossrail has announced that it has awarded the main construction contracts for Farringdon and Whitechapel stations.

Intensive construction for both stations will get underway next year.

Andy Mitchell, Crossrail Programme Director: "Crossrail contracts continue to generate significant construction industry interest. As with the Paddington station contract earlier this year, high quality bids were received for both Farringdon and Whitechapel stations. The main construction contracts for Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and Liverpool Street stations will be awarded in 2012.

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"Work is progressing along the Crossrail route ahead of tunnelling starting next spring. Manufacture of our tunnel boring machines is advancing, the first of the tunnel portals is now complete and the new Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy has welcomed its first students."

When Crossrail opens, Farringdon will become one of Britain's busiest train stations served by Thameslink, Crossrail and London Underground. Crossrail passengers will be able to reach Tottenham Court Road from Farringdon in 3 minutes, Paddington in 7 minutes and Heathrow in 31 minutes. Farringdon station will also provide a direct connection to Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports.

At Whitechapel, the new Crossrail station will be located to the north of the existing station with a new ticket-hall providing step-free access to Crossrail, London Underground and London Overground. A new pedestrian route from Durward Street on to Whitechapel Road for local residents will also be created as part of the Crossrail works. Up to 24 Crossrail trains per hour will operate between Paddington and Whitechapel during the peak.

(CD)