A brand new train station costing £30m is set to restore passenger services in a town that’s been cut off for 60 years.
Locals of Aldrige, a town in the West Midlands, will once again be able to catch a train to surrounding towns and cities thanks to the new station.
Aldridge Railway Station’s future site is being secured and cleared to pave the way for the start of construction, with hopes it will be open by 2027.
The project will see a single platform station built with a 40-space car park and road access from the town’s Westfield Drive.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said it was “astonishing” that passengers hadn’t been able to use the line since 1965.
He said: “It’s astonishing to think that despite being on an active railway line, no passenger trains have stopped at Aldridge since 1965.
“That’s why we are making this investment and working with Network Rail to get this station open for the people of Aldridge – starting with a shuttle service to Walsall from Spring 2027.
“This will finally start to give Aldridge the railway services it so badly needs – offering residents a convenient alternative to the car.”
There is also a push to give the town a direct service to London in the future.
Mr Street added: “But we are not resting there, we are actively seeking further opportunities to improve and increase services at Aldridge.
“This includes working with the Wrexham, Shropshire and Midland Railway Company on plans to give Aldridge a direct train service to London.”
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) are working with Network Rail to get the station built and open.
Aldridge station will initially offer a half-hourly service to Walsall town centre where passengers can then travel onto Birmingham as well as being able to connect to wider regional and national services.
Rob McIntosh, managing director for Network Rail’s North West and Central region said: “Aldridge station is one of a number of new stations being funded by TfWM and WMRE across the West Midlands.
“These exciting transport hubs will not only support economic growth by improving connectivity for passengers, but also provide multiple benefits for local communities.”
Cllr Mike Bird, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) portfolio holder for transport and leader of Walsall Council said: “New stations offering convenient rail links not only open up new work and leisure opportunities for residents and the communities they serve, but by making it easier for visitors and works can act as a catalyst for future investment in our towns.”
The £30million has been allocated from the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) funding awarded to TfWM, which is part of the by the Department for Transport.
