Planning applications for two NEW railway stations on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line have been Submitted

The stations will be at Darlaston and Willenhall and improve the connectivity between Wolverhampton, Walsall and Birmingham New Street if plans are accepted.

The original stations in Darlaston and Willenhall closed in 1965 and only through trains have used the line since then.

The project is being headed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) working in collaboration with the Department for Transport, Network Rail, West Midlands Railway, Walsall Council and the City of Wolverhampton Council. Wolverhampton Council and Transport for the Midlands will be speaking about the plans at the upcoming Midlands Development Plans event. [emaillocker id=”71749″]

The applications have been submitted to Walsall Council.

Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I am delighted that our plans to reopen Darlaston and Willenhall stations has moved another significant step closer with the submission of these planning applications.

“These Black Country communities deserve access to easier and faster rail connections to Wolverhampton, Walsall and Birmingham and the wider transport network.

“The new stations will also help to drive significant investment in jobs and housing along the Walsall to Wolverhampton corridor.

“I look forward to seeing the plans evolve and progress as we gear up for construction on site next year.”

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council and WMCA portfolio holder for transport added: “These Black Country stations are just one part of our plans to transform rail service and public transport across the West Midlands.

“We are making great progress with reopening the Camp Hill line in Birmingham to passenger services, creating better rail, tram and bus connections with the planned HS2 stations and working to bring more services, more capacity and better facilities across the region’s rail network.” [/emaillocker]