What's happening in Farnham town centre?
Roadworks started in the town centre in February 2025. They will last for approximately two years.
The works will deliver:
- Wider pavements, wherever possible, will give more space for shoppers.
- New planting, paving and seating, so people can choose to stop and enjoy the town for longer.
- Dedicated loading bays to support local retailers and reduce congestion.
- Pedestrian controlled crossings and raised tables will make it safer to cross roads.
- Two-way traffic at the bottom of Downing Street and on The Borough west of Castle Street to keep the town moving.
- Two new bus shelters with real-time passenger information and level boarding areas.
- Advanced stop lines and more parking for people who cycle.
- Sustainable drainage to make the town centre more resilient to heavy rain
Strike up a conversation with our chatbot to find out where we’re currently working in Farnham, tips on how to get around, latest Farnham events, or ask a question about the scheme. Alternatively, you can text ‘Hello Farnham 3’ to 07411 188418
Works phases
Please see the Farnham town centre construction plan (PDF) for an overview of the phases.
Works started on the pedestrian crossover in Upper Church Lane on 13 January and will last about a week. Construction teams will then move to the pedestrian crossover in Lower Church Lane, which is also expected to last about a week. The timescales are subject to weather conditions.
Works will start at 7pm when the junction will be closed, but access and exit will be available at all times - please follow direction from the construction team.
In West Street there will be footpath diversions during January and February.
Works in The Borough will run to the end of March, with a full road closure between Castle Street and the Royal Deer Junction.
This phase will widen pavements, and install a paved pedestrian crossing and a new loading bay. This requires a road closure to enable the works to be carried out and keep construction teams safe.
The road will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists during the work, and shops will always be accessible during opening hours.
People are advised to find alternative ways of travelling where they can or use travel apps such as Google Maps or Waze to find the best route to their destination. The official diversion route goes up Castle Street, Castle Hill and Folly Hill. It then follows Upper Hale Road and Hale Road via the Six Bells Roundabout to East Street.
Due to the closure of The Borough, there will be timetable and route changes to bus routes 4, 5, 16, 18, 19, 65 and 404. There are no changes to route 46. For full details, visit the temporary changes to bus services for road closures page.
To view the map of Farnham town centre between January and March 2026, see: Farnham town centre routes map - The Borough closure (PDF).
While The Borough is closed, work will also be taking place until April at the Royal Deer Junction, with new paving and signalised crossing points. The junction will remain open but there will be lane closures.
The last phases of the town centre improvements will be on Castle Street and Victoria Road. More detail will be provided closer to the time, but the majority of the Castle Street works will be carried out with two-way traffic managed by temporary lights. The final resurfacing will require some overnight closures.
The Borough (Castle Street to West Street) - completed in February 2025. These works allowed a right turn at the bottom of Castle Street and two-way traffic on The Borough between Castle Street and West Street, which is important to keep the town moving during the works. This is a temporary layout, which be made permanent later in the project. The works included the removal of the traffic islands at the top of Downing Street. Temporary traffic lights will remain in place until permanent lights are installed.
Improvements to the bottom of Downing Street, which will allows two way traffic between Lower Church Lane and the Longbridge junction. It means cars can and exit Waggon Yard car park without needing to travel around the gyratory.
Travelling around Farnham
Please continue to visit Farnham town centre and support local businesses during the roadworks. For a smoother journey around the town:
- Check your route before you travel using apps like Google Maps or Waze.
- Avoid congestion in the town centre and gyratory system during peak times by walking or cycling if possible. Cyclists may still use Downing Street but should dismount at the junction with Upper Church Lane.
- If you are driving to visit Farnham, please consider using car parks which do not require driving around the gyratory and walking the short distance into the town centre if you are able to. This helps avoid congestion and reduces traffic for other road users who need to park close to their destination.
Please see the Farnham car park driving routes (PDF) for the different routes drivers can take to car parks with avoid or minimise use of the gyratory, and Farnham town centre car park walking routes (PDF) for ways to walk from those car parks to the town centre.
- If you are travelling from the north or east, please use the Riverside car parks. You could use the newly reopened Riverside Walk if heading for the town centre.
- If you are travelling from the west, please use the Lower Hart or Upper Hart car parks.
- If you are travelling from the south, please use the Farnham Maltings or Station car parks.
For changes to bus services, please see the Stagecoach website or visit the changes to bus services page. Please note that you can also use the Surrey Connect on-demand bus service.
If you are in congestion, please consider turning off your engine.
The Farnham Cycle Campaign is running a ‘give it a go’ campaign to help people to cycle more - visit the campaign website.
Key information
- Please sign up for our town centre works e-newsletter.
- Visit the Farnham town centre frequently asked questions page.
Keep in touch
Please send questions about the town centre roadworks to farnham.infrastructureprogramme@surreycc.gov.uk.
Find out how to report highways issues, including in an emergency.
We are now holding regular virtual drop-in session for businesses in Farnham town centre about the town centre improvement works. It is an opportunity meet with representatives from the Surrey County Council project team and works contractor Ringway to ask questions or raise any concerns.
To be sent the meeting invite, please email farnham.infrastructureprogramme@surreycc.gov.uk with the name and address of your business.
Files available to download
-
Farnham town centre routes map - The Borough closure (PDF)
A map of Farnham town centre showing the routes available for traffic during the closure of The Borough, January 2026 to March 2026. -
Farnham town centre construction plan 2025 (PDF)
An overview of the different phases, locations and timings of roadworks expected in Farnham town centre during 2025. -
Farnham car park driving routes (PDF)
A map of routes which take drivers to Farnham town centre car parks which minimise use of the gyratory for reliable journeys which minimise congestion -
Farnham town centre walking routes (PDF)
A map of walking routes in Farnham to help drivers park further out of the town centre to avoid congestion and still get quickly to shops and restaurants -
Downing Street closure - route changes (PDF)
A map of Farnham town centre showing the closed road and the routes available for traffic during the closure of Downing Street -
Farnham town centre routes map (PDF)
Map showing driving routes through Farnham town centre, including the new sections designated as two-way road.