ORR authorises new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston in the West Midlands

Willenhall and Darlaston stations have been added to the timetable for the hourly Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street Station service via Wolverhampton. 

ORR’s authorisation covers the stations’ new features, including step-free access via new lifts, providing accessible connections between platforms. Car and cycle parking is also available.

The regulator’s authorisation is a key milestone in getting new, upgraded, or renewed infrastructure, such as at Willenhall and Darlaston, ready to open. It also confirms that standards on areas like health and safety, accessibility, environmental protection, reliability and availability have been met.

ORR has worked closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority, Network Rail, West Midlands Rail Executive, and the wider project team through the authorisation process, ensuring that important checks and surveys were carried out.

Steve Fletcher, Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management at ORR, said:  

Notes to editors

1. ORR authorises new and upgraded infrastructure as part of its responsibility to authorise infrastructure and rolling stock that are new or have had a major upgrade or renewal.   

2. Letters of authorisation: Darlaston; Willenhall