I'm not one for eulogising about architecture, particularly given the
state of many of the region's stations, but Smethwick Galton Bridge Station is an exception.
Opening in 1995, the station is a high and low level concern with the low level catering for
the Coventry - Wolverhampton line and the high level catering for the Hereford - Stratford-
upon-Avon services. Apparently designed with a colour scheme to reflect the locally produced
Ruskin Pottery, the station really is an impressive structure as you will see below.
Above-left we are on platform 1 of the high level part of the station
looking towards Stratford - note the use of glass in the design and also that the line is not
electrified. Above-right we have moved to platform 2 and are looking towards Langley Green
and the Oldbury Road bridge.
Above-left we are on the low level part of the station as an EMU pulls out
on a Wolverhampton-Coventry service. The photographer is standing on platform 3 looking across
at platform 4. Above-right we are high level again at the end of platform 1 looking through
the Oldbury Road overbridge at Smethwick Junction as the lines curve away towards Langley
Green. Interestingly, the now disused Smethwick Junction station is just out of view around
the bend which closed due to the opening of this prestige station.
Above-left we are actually on Telford's Galton Bridge as it gives the best
perspective of the relationship between the low and high level sections of the station in the
Galton Valley Conservation Area. Above-right we are on platform 3 (low level) looking back at
the station - the large tower to the right is the hub of the station giving access to all
walkways and the main entrance via the system of overbridges.
Telford's Galton Bridge viewed from platform 3. This is one of the few
stations I have encountered on my travels that I would actually recommend people go and have
a look at - you won't be disappointed.