Timetable agreed for new rail route
Rail bosses have agreed a timetable for the Walsall to Wolverhampton line, which could open in 2022 and will include stops at new stations in Willenhall and Darlaston.
The stations have been funded through a £10 million grant from the Department for Transport.
Under the new agreement there will be two trains an hour and an hourly service between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton, via Tame Bridge, Darlaston and Willenhall.
The Willenhall and Darlaston stations were originally closed more than 50 years ago under the Beeching cuts, while the line has been used for freight services only since 2008.
The Wolverhampton-Walsall journey is expected to take around 16 minutes, cutting 34 minutes off the existing route which passes through Birmingham. It will also be 19 minutes faster than the bus.
Under the new agreement there will also be an hourly service between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton, via Tame Bridge, Darlaston and Willenhall, which will be created by diverting an existing Crewe to Birmingham service.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, said the timetable showed that “great progress” was being made on plans to get the rail stations built and the line open.
“The Walsall to Wolverhampton rail corridor is an important part of our the plans to regenerate and revitalise this area of the Black Country; acting as a catalyst to unlock swathes of land for industrial, commercial and housing development.
“Investment in transport is now even more important to our economy as we aim to bounce back from the pandemic.”
Recovery
Wolverhampton Council leader Ian Brookfield said improving the transport connections will play “a big part” in boosting the city’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
“The progress with plans for new stations follows on the back of the recent opening of phase one of Wolverhampton’s new railway station as part of our city centre Interchange, all providing further job opportunities for our residents,” he said.
“Developments like this are also critical to encouraging more future use of public transport to help support our climate emergency agenda.”
Willenhall Station is set to be sited next to the Bilston Street railway bridge, while Darlaston Station will be built on derelict land next to the Kendricks Road bridge.
Planning applications are being considered by Walsall Council, with construction expected to start early next year.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council’s deputy leader, said the line would provide the connectivity needed to support and develop the local economy.
Dave Penney, Network Rail Central route director, said: “Opening up the railway to these Black Country communities will be a key driver to the long-term regeneration of the wider region.
“In the short-term, I’d urge everyone to continue to follow government advice and avoid using public transport unless absolutely necessary.”
The stations have been part-funded through a £10 million grant from the Department for Transport.
