HS2 has launched a new market engagement exercise for its elevated transport system, with companies interested in delivering the infrastructure invited to take part.
HS2 is assessing the capacity of global suppliers to deliver the Automated People Mover (APM), which will operate services into and out of the new high-speed station in Solihull. The formal procurement process is expected to launch in early 2026.
The APM will provide links between HS2’s Interchange Station, the conventional rail network, Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Resorts World.
The successful contractor will oversee the design and construction of the piers, viaducts, the APM’s four stops , the APM maintenance facility and all temporary works.
HS2 expects to award the contract in 2028, with construction, installation and testing to be carried out by 2030.
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 APM network will run along a 2.4 kilometre-long viaduct, built upon a series of piers ranging from six to 14 metres in height. The viaduct will traverse heavily-developed land, featuring major crossing points such as the West Coast Mainline, the M42 motorway and Pendigo Lake at the NEC campus.
Three of the line’s four stops will be built on the viaduct, with the stop at the Interchange Station being at ground level. The APM will also incorporate several key design features, including a series of reinforced central concrete piers, a weathered steel deck and escape walkway gratings across the length of the track. The viaduct structure will combine both single and twin track paths.
The stops at Birmingham Airport and Interchange Station will have a single platform face, while the stops at Birmingham International Railway Station and the NEC will have two platform faces. All platforms will be between 36 and 40 metres in length, with step-free access and fully covered by canopies.
HS2 has invited suppliers interested in bidding for the APM Infrastructure contract to participate in the market engagement exercise. Contractors have until 5pm on Tuesday 23rd April to register their interest.
Image credit: HS2
