Multi-million cost of railway stations in Walsall revealed
The construction of new railway stations at Darlaston and Willenhall looks to have moved a step closer today after a £26 million tender was put out for the works.
Plans for the stations, which have been closed to the public since 1965, are set to go before Walsall’s planning committee in October before construction can commence.
However the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has already set the wheels in motion on the plans, inviting companies to bid for the £26 million works.
The tender has also given further insight into the works themselves, with several details revealed by the WMCA.
It appears that construction will take place between February 23 next year and June 30, 2022, with the tender for the contract stating: "The project will consist of the construction of two new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston and supporting rail infrastructure works, on the route between Walsall and Wolverhampton to support access for new train services that increase connectivity in the Greater Birmingham area. "
Two new platform stations will be created with lift access and a footbridge at both stations – along with signalling and track work, the tender states.
It added: "It is proposed that Willenhall Station will be sited next to the Bilston Street railway bridge close to the town centre, while Darlaston Station will be built on derelict land next to the Kendricks Road bridge."
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street previously said the move would help "drive significant investment" in the Black Country and boost transport links.
Earlier this year it was announced that two trains an hour would be calling at the new stations when the Walsall to Wolverhampton line reopens to passenger services, with an hourly service between Walsall and Wolverhampton and another hourly service between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton, via Tame Bridge, Darlaston and Willenhall.
