Companies are being invited to participate in a market engagement exercise for delivering the infrastructure behind HS2's elevated Automated People Mover (APM) system in the West Midlands.
The APM will transport passengers between HS2's Interchange Station, conventional rail, Birmingham Airport and the events and entertainment complex at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Resorts World complex.
Ahead of the formal 2026 procurement launch, HS2 is assessing global suppliers' capacity to construct the APM infrastructure.
Andrew Cubitt, Procurement and Supply Chain Director for HS2 Ltd said: “Today we’re launching our two-week market engagement exercise, which enables potential suppliers to familiarise themselves with the very latest details for the APM infrastructure contract.
“Importantly, this is a two-way dialogue, a chance for us to listen and learn from those interested in bidding for the works, so we can define the scope, commercial approach and procurement strategy.”
The successful contractor, expected to be appointed in 2028, will undertake the detailed design and construction of piers, viaducts, four stops, a maintenance facility, and temporary works.
The 2.4km APM viaduct will feature piers ranging from 6 to 14 metres tall to maintain a consistent level.
The viaduct will traverse developed areas, crossing the M42 motorway, West Coast Mainline, and Pendigo Lake.
Three stops will be built on the viaduct, while the Interchange Station stop will be at ground level.
Key design elements include reinforced concrete central piers, a weathered steel deck, and escape walkway gratings along the length.
The viaduct will combine single and twin track sections to allow trains to pass. Stations at Birmingham Airport and Interchange will have single platforms, while NEC and Birmingham International will have two platform faces.
Platforms, ranging from 36 to 40 metres long, will be fully covered with canopies and provide step-free access.
Construction, installation, and testing are forecast between 2028 and 2030 after the contract award.
Suppliers interested in bidding must participate in the market engagement exercise via the SmartSurvey, open today until Tuesday 23 April 2024 at 5pm.
For more information, and to complete the survey click here.