A winner is due to be confirmed by the end of this month by The Metropolitan Borough of Solihull for the new A45 South Bridge

Transport minister Baroness Kramer has confirmed £8m in Government cash for the structure which will directly serve Birmingham International Airport, the National Exhibition Centre, Jaguar Land Rover and other local businesses.

She said: “This new bridge will reduce congestion and improve safety, and include new pedestrian and cyclist facilities.

“The £8.3 million the government is putting into this project is part of our wider economic plan of investment in our local and national infrastructure to help drive economic growth.”

The new bridge will replace the existing 150 year old structure carrying the westbound carriageway of the A45 over the West Coast Main Line.

It will create an extra westbound running lane and an improved access slip road to Birmingham International Airport.

A temporary bridge will be created during the work, allowing the route to remain open throughout.

The main works are due to start in January 2015 with completion in August 2016.

Councillor Bob Sleigh, Leader of Solihull Council said:  “We are now in discussion with our preferred bidder for this major project and will announce further details in due course.”