TRANSPORT NETWORK The transport network will be upgraded to link several railways and airports together
Project management and development company Mott MacDonald has been commissioned by Solihull metropolitan borough council, in the UK, to undertake a comprehensive integrated transport study.
The analysis will identify ways of delivering effective transport connections between all existing and proposed surface modes at Birmingham International Station, in Solihull. The aim of the study is to create a new integrated public transport hub that will provide both residents and visitors with seamless links between the city’s airport, Birmingham Interchange High Speed Two (HS2) Station and landmarks, such as the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Genting Arena and new Genting Resorts World complex.
Current modes of transport used by commuters include mainline rail, local and intercity bus routes, cars, taxis and an automatic people mover connecting to Birmingham Airport. Future modes include the extension of the Midland metro tram network, up to six bus-based rapid transit routes and an automatic people mover connecting the Birmingham Interchange HS2 Station to Birmingham Airport.
Mott MacDonald, in partnership with Grimshaw Architects, will deliver the outline scheme design, strategic advice, stakeholder engagement, risk management, architecture, engineering and cost estimating services. Mott MacDonald will also offer planning advice, transport modelling, business case development, funding and financing advice and environmental appraisals.
In addition to creating an efficient transport interchange, the study will look to integrate the transport hub with the emerging master plans at Birmingham Airport and the NEC.
“We’re delighted to be involved in this landmark project that will improve critical transport links in the region and help capture inward investment as a result of HS2. This study will provide an exciting opportunity to bring together a host of our multidisciplinary skills from across a number of our offices,” says Mott MacDonald project director Kevin Riley.
Its commission is due to be completed in the second quarter of 2017. It is planned that the transport hub will be open before the proposed Birmingham Interchange HS2 Station becomes operational in 2026.
A key strategic hub on the Trans-European Transport Network, the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority and Solihull metropolitan borough council have been awarded a 50% funding contribution towards the €1.75-million study from the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility, with the balance of funding secured from private and public sector partners.