A long-disused railway line is to be converted into a new urban cycleway for Wolverhampton.

The old branch line from Priestfield to Wolverhampton city centre is to be cleared and tarmaced at a cost of £290,000. The work will be carried out by transport authority Centro and Wolverhampton City Council.

Cllr Judith Rowley from Centro said: 

“This is a really inventive way to make use of a rail line which has been unused for more than 40 years. The route was already in place so it seemed a perfect opportunity for us to create an off-road cycle route in this part of Wolverhampton, which will also serve as an ideal footpath. Cycling and walking can help cut congestion on our roads as well as having clear benefits for both people's health and the environment and we hope this infrastructure will contribute to all of these things.”

The route will provide a direct route from residential areas into central Wolverhampton – as well as Monmore Green Greyhound Stadium!

Meanwhile, two more cycle routes are being planned nearby along the A41 road to link Wolverhampton with Bilston.