The hunt for a contractor to carry out work on a new elevated transit system as part of the HS2 line in Solihull has begun.
A tender has been launched to procure a company to lead the enabling works for the automated people mover which will transport passengers between the new Interchange station next to the M42, the NEC, Birmingham International station and the airport.
Worth £2 million, this is the first package of work to be procured for the people mover and the enabling works programme includes topographical surveys, ground investigations and utility surveys.
It is expected to take around 12 months.
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This will then pave the way for the construction of the automated people which will be around 1.2 miles in length and will cross the M42, West Coast Mainline and Pendigo Lake in front of Resorts World.
HS2 said it expected to award the enabling works contract early next year ahead of work starting in the spring.
Sean Butler, senior project manager for the people mover, said: "Launching the procurement for enabling works is the result of several years of collaboration and engagement across HS2, Department for Transport and stakeholders in the region.
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"This is the first step in the journey to deliver the people mover in time for HS2 services arriving at Interchange station."
Two further procurement opportunities will also begin next year as HS2 invites suppliers to tender for the contract to design and supply the transport system and the 25-year transport operation and maintenance contract.
Phase one of HS2 will run between London, Solihull and Birmingham city centre and Interchange is one of four new stations being constructed alongside Curzon Street in Birmingham, Old Oak Common in West London and the expansion of Euston in the capital.