As part of the construction of the new Farringdon station, Crossrail needs to protect and replace the utilities that lie beneath Farringdon Road.

The preparatory works began in August this year, with the main phase of the utility works commencing on Monday 12 November. The works are expected to continue until May 2013.

A number of water, gas and other utility pipes that run under Farringdon Road, must be replaced or monitored as they could potentially be affected by ground settlement caused by station and tunnelling works.

A major benefit of the works is that, once complete, the major local utilities will have been replaced or upgraded which will significantly reduce the level of utility works on Farringdon Road in future years.

Crossrail has been working closely with the utility companies, Transport for London (TfL), the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington and the City of London to minimise the impact of this work for businesses, shoppers and local residents.

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To minimise future works in the Farringdon area, TfL will coordinate with other companies who have assets in the road that may need repairing or replacing.

These utility works will require a southbound closure of Farringdon Road between Clerkenwell Road and Charterhouse Street from 12 November 2012 to April 2013.

Southbound traffic will follow a signed diversion from Farringdon Road along Rosebery Avenue, Gray’s Inn Road, High Holborn, Holborn Circus and Charterhouse Street.

For cyclists, a southbound cycle-lane will be put in place in the closed section of Farringdon Road. This contra-flow lane will be segregated from northbound traffic. This means that cyclists will not need to use the diversion route.

London Buses route 63 southbound services will be affected by this diversion. Passengers for Farringdon station should alight at Snow Hill bus stop. Northbound buses, towards King’s Cross will be not be diverted. Bus stop 'A' at Farringdon station, will be closed for the duration of the works.

The three pedestrian crossings over Farringdon Road within the closed section will remain in operation at all times. These are at the junctions with Charterhouse Street, Cowcross Street and Clerkenwell Road.

Farringdon is at the heart of the Crossrail route and will be a key link in bringing passengers directly from within Greater London and beyond to the business hubs in the City and Canary Wharf. Located at the only intersection between Crossrail and Thameslink, Farringdon will directly connect with three of London's five airports, providing a railway connection between Heathrow and Gatwick. When complete, over 140 trains per hour will flow through the Farringdon interchange.

(CD)