Centro, the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive, has formally invited firms to prequalify for the £130m project, whose total budget also includes cash for new trams.

The extension, which is under a mile long, will run through the city’s shopping district  and is due to open by 2014.

Once the extension is finished Midland Metro trams will exit Snow Hill Station and be able to travel through the city before terminating outside  New Street Station.

Works include new track and infrastructure connecting into the existing operational line, construction of four new tram stops and a new link to the existing Snow Hill heavy rail station.

The successful contractor will also carry out highway and footway re-surfacing works and structural and drainage improvements to the existing brick arched Network Rail Snow Hill Viaduct.

Firms have until 11 July to submit PQQs which can be found at http://www.wmcoe.bravosolution.co.uk/

Further information is available from Paul Norman at Centro, email [email protected]