Wolverhampton bus station overhaul moves on

The £22.5 million overhaul of Wolverhampton bus station is moving into its next phase with the last of three new walkways being installed.

Once completed, they will transform the way passengers move around the station as there will be no pedestrian crossings. People will instead access bus stands via walkways.

These pedestrian routes will be equipped with glass doors that automatically open when the vehicle arrives.

At the old station, which was on the same site, people had to cross the road to get to their bus stand.

Transport authority Centro is overseeing the project.

Spokesman Steve Swingler said: "The new bus stands will be fully enclosed and so protected from the elements.

"Passengers do not have to cross any roads within the new interchange, greatly improving safety and convenience.

"We are pleased with the way work is progressing on the interchange. It has gone smoothly so far and as a result it remains on schedule."

The new bus station in Pipers Row is being built as part of a bigger scheme to replace the city's bus and rail station.

Its replacement will have 19 stands, glass waiting areas, electronic information points and CCTV security.

The new station will also have public toilets, offices and retail space.

The second phase of the scheme, worth more than £154m, will see canalside bars, offices and hotels built.

But the Express & Star revealed earlier this year that plans to build a £30m car park on top of Wolverhampton train station are being revised due to a lack of cash.