Kier is set to restart construction on two new railway stations on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line following the collapse of original contractor Buckingham Group.

Ground preparation works on the Willenhall and Darlaston railway station sites was paused last month after Buckingham went into administration.

Kier acquired Buckingham’s rail division following the collapse and is set to be confirmed as replacement contractor by client West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The WMCA Board will rubber stamp the move on Friday as “both the budget and timescales for completion will be revised following a detailed review over the coming weeks and months.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “For Buckingham Group staff who were working on Willenhall and Darlaston stations, the last few weeks have understandably been a difficult time.

“That’s why it’s great news that we will see many of them back on site now that we have reached agreement with Kier. We wanted any pause or disruption in works to be kept to an absolute minimum and we worked closely with Kier to resolve this matter swiftly.”

Joe Incutti, group managing director, Kier Transportation, added: “We’re pleased that the contract novation for the Willenhall and Darlaston station projects has been completed, following our acquisition of parts of the Buckingham Group. We can now remobilise the team and continue our work on this important project.

“Connecting people is our common goal in Kier Transportation. We are therefore delighted to be working with West Midlands Combined Authority on this project, and to have the opportunity to build an enduring relationship with the authority to support its ambitions in the region.”