New £2.4m sustainable transport hub planned for Dudley Port station revamp
Posted on 5th September 2023 at 16:03
Plans to upgrade one of the West Midlands' most outdated railway stations are being worked up as part of a £2.4 million scheme to improve passenger experience, access and transport links.
Dudley Port is already a major focus for transport investment with a new tram stop on the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill West Midlands Metro extension, currently under construction, alongside plans for high-quality walking, cycling, and public transport measures in the area. Together, these contribute to a future network of sustainable transport options for residents who want to use an alternative to the private car to get around.
Plans are now under development to create a Dudley Port Interchange Hub to make the railway station more welcoming, connect to the new Metro and further enhance road, bus, cycling and walking links, supporting the wider regeneration of the area.
The funding will also be used to kick off development of the business case for the full redevelopment of Dudley Port Railway Station – currently one of the region's busiest without step-free access. This would then be used to lever in the substantial funding required to deliver a full redevelopment.
The interchange is set to include improved mobility access, better walking routes between bus, tram and rail, improvements to the existing footbridge, better lighting and CCTV, better cycling links, EV charging points and live information boards.
These works are due to be completed by the end of 2024, ready for the launch of phase one of the Metro extension from Wednesbury to Dudley town centre.
A second phase of works, due for delivery by March 2027, will see additional high quality walking and cycling links to the station.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and West Midlands Rail Executive are leading the scheme in partnership with Sandwell Council, Dudley Council, Black Country Transport Group, Network Rail, the Midland Metro Alliance and West Midlands Railway.
The £2.4m funding is drawn from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement awarded by the Department for Transport to TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), last year.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said "With the new Metro stop and a high-quality cycleway both in development to join the railway station at Dudley Port we're making major investments in transport infrastructure to better connect local people and benefit the Black Country for many years to come.
Entrance to Dudley Port Railway Station (TfWM)
Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell council's cabinet member for regeneration and WMCA, said: "These improvements will really make a difference at Dudley Port, which is a key gateway to and from Sandwell. Not only will these changes make the station more welcoming for people, but they will also provide much better links for bus, cycling and walking in the local area and boost wider regeneration opportunities."
Cllr Mike Bird, WMCA portfolio lead for transport and leader of Walsall Council said: "Dudley Port interchange is just one part of our unprecedented investment in sustainable transport across the region which is delivering improvements to our bus, rail, tram and active travel networks – supporting our communities and businesses and contributing to a fairer and greener West Midlands."
Denise Wetton, Network Rail's central route director, said: "Joined-up public transport networks which meet the needs of all passengers are key to a successful and growing region. This investment will make a huge difference to people travelling to and from Dudley Port and I hope kick-starts further improvements to this key station in the West Midlands."
Tagged as: Transport for West Midlands, WMCA, Dudley
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