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The opening of Willenhall and Darlaston railway stations draws nearer as construction of the two sites is set to be completed by the end of the year. Both of the stations are expected to be open to the public in early 2026, two years later then the original deadline. The project, delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority with contractor Kier Transportation, will see passenger trains stopping at both the towns for the first time since 1965. The scheme has faced several setbacks including the collapse of lead contractor Buckingham Group, a pop-up unauthorised building in Willenhall which led to plans changing at the 11th hour, and spiraling costs. The project is expected to cost £85million – over a third more than the original budget of £59million. Both the Darlaston site, located on the old A B Waste Management site on Cemetery Road, and the Willenhall site, on Bilston Street, were originally supposed to have two trains per hour running between Walsall, Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street. But earlier this month leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Mike Bird, said he was told the services may bypass Walsall’s main station in the town centre. The Department for Transport said that no decisions have yet been made on the matter. Hubert Assisi, design manager for Kier, said: “Kier are very proud to be able to deliver the Darlaston and Willenhall stations. “The new two stations will provide great landmark and great transport links for future generations to come. “The project has had many challenges but working closely with WMCA and other stakeholders it’s been a rewarding journey.” James Callingham, programme sponsor for the WMCA, said: “We’re really excited we’re coming to the end of construction of Willenhall and Darlaston stations. “There’s been a lot of very hard work by Kier, the principal contractor, Network Rail, West Midlands Trains and Walsall Council. “We’re in the finishing straights of construction, looking to get the stations open early next year.”
