Sutton Park line

It is an important and strategic route, as it enables most freight trains to avoid congestion at Birmingham New Street station.

The line was constructed by the Wolverhampton, Walsall and Midland Junction Railway company, and was authorised on 6 August 1872.

It was opened for goods traffic between Aldridge and Brownhills Watling Street in April 1882, and the entire route followed in November 1882.

The line was closed for passenger services on 18 January 1965, although mail trains continued to call at Sutton Park after this date.

In February 2008 it was announced that Birmingham City Council, Network Rail and Centro were launching a feasibility study to assess the possibility of re-opening the line to passenger services.