Willenhall and Darlaston Stations

We're bringing rail travel back to Willenhall and Darlaston by investing £85 million in two new stations. Construction is underway, 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.

At Darlaston, the cladding to the lift shafts has been applied allowing a visualisation of the skyline. And the base layer has been applied to the station car park that will accommodate 300 cars for commuters including EV charging points.

At Willenhall, the markings to the car park are taking shape with disabled parking spaces and drop off/pick up zones defined on the newly laid surface. The step free access to the platform is also in position.

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