Willenhall and Darlaston Stations

We're bringing rail travel back to Willenhall and Darlaston by investing £85 million in two new stations. Construction work has completed, marking a major milestone in reconnecting these communities to the rail network for the first time in over 50 years.

The 2 stations at Willenhall and Darlaston were closed in 1965. Now, the population in the area has grown. The area is also being regenerated. Without a rail service, the roads are congested and journey times are long.

Latest works

Construction of the new stations has now been completed. Both stations are coming alive with finishing touches ready to welcome the first passengers in the coming weeks.   

At Darlaston, the planting scheme is underway that will surround the commuter car park and station area. The current weather conditions will ensure they will be well watered in. The build includes the installation of a number of attenuation tanks to mitigate against flooding. On the approach to the station, Cemetery Road is also receiving some attention.

Over in Willenhall, progress is visible with notice boards containing traveller information and commissioning of ticket machines underway. The teams remain on site due to the period of testing and commissioning resulting in some snagging including the station access from Bilston Street.

Latest on Willenhall Area roadworks

New Road

New Road has returned to two-way traffic following the recent improvement works. Residents, businesses and road users should recognise improved access and less disruption to their journeys.

Somerford Place

The work is now largely complete in Somerford Place with the temporary one-way system removed and open to traffic with no restrictions. Bus shelters have been recommissioned, and routes are fully up and running.

Noose Lane Level Crossing

Workers will be applying the final yellow hatching lines to the Noose Lane Level Crossing in due course.

Project benefits

The new stations will also open up rail travel to the local community. This will have a wide range of benefits, including:

• making it easier to travel for work, education or leisure
• reduced congestion on the roads
• encouraging greener alternatives to the car
• improved station access for everyone

The project will create more than 120 jobs during construction and restore more than a hectare of brownfield land. Brownfield land is land that was used for industrial or commercial purposes in the past.

The stations

Willenhall and Darlaston will each have two platforms suitable for 4-car trains. The stations will also have:

• pedestrian footbridges, stairs and lifts
• ticket machines and information systems
• passenger help points on each platform
• secure bike parking
• car parks
• a pick-up and drop-off area

Once open, both stations will be served by a train service offering convenient connections to Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, and other nearby stations. These frequent services will improve accessibility for commuters, leisure travellers, and local businesses.

Our partners

We’re working on this project with:

• Transport for West Midlands
• West Midlands Trains (operators of West Midlands Railway)
• Network Rail
• Department for Transport
• Walsall Council
• Kier Group, principal contractors
• SLC-AECOM Joint Venture