£54m project begins on new Black Country railway station
Two new stations will be built on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line
Last updated 30th Nov 2021
Work has started on the first of two new railway stations coming to the Wolverhampton to Walsall line.
The build will welcome back the return of passenger services on the line, which is currently only used by freight rail services.
Passengers getting on at Willenhall, the first station being built, will be able to travel to Walsall or Wolverhampton in eight minutes, and Birmingham New Street in 25.
A station will also be constructed at Darlaston, as part of the £54 million pound project that will reconnect the Black Country communities with the region's rail network.
Both stations will see two trains an hour from Birmingham New Street and Crewe services, as well as an hourly shuttle between Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, was joined by Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes on site to mark the start of works.
The Mayor said: “It has been a long time coming, but it really is fantastic news that the diggers are on site and our plans to bring Willenhall Station back to life are becoming a reality.
“People in Walsall have waited decades to see this station return, and with Darlaston to follow shortly afterwards as part of the re-opened Walsall to Wolverhampton line, this really is a game-changer for the Black Country.
“Not only will these stations provide a genuine public transport alternative to the car, but they will also help connect local people to the high quality jobs and opportunities being created across the wider region.”
Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes said: “The railway station will be a lifeline connecting the people of Willenhall to opportunities for jobs, training and leisure across the region, cutting those journey times.
“It will also be fantastic for the town, bringing people into the centre of Willenhall and supporting the regeneration of the area.”