The light rail system will feature 15 stations with all-electric trains running every five to 10 minutes throughout most of the day.
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) is one step closer to starting construction on Austin’s long-awaited light rail project.
During its meeting on Wednesday, the ATP board selected Austin Rail Constructors (ARC), who will be tasked with building the first phase of the project. The group was awarded a multibillion-dollar contract to finalize design and begin pre-construction activities, including shaping and building the design and construction of nearly every aspect of the system, including the transitway, tracks, systems, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures and streetscape improvements.
“This is a big, important milestone for Austin Light Rail,” ATP CEO Greg Canally said. “ATP is highly focused on delivering this much needed mobility investment for Austin, and with this contract now in place, we are on track to begin construction in 2027. Not only is Austin getting this major transit project, but we are also creating thousands of jobs and economic opportunity here in Texas.”
ARC is a joint venture between Stacy Witbeck and Sundt Construction firms, which the transit partnership said will help shape and build the light rail system.
“Austin Rail Constructors is ready to deliver light rail for Austin,” Austin Rail Constructors Project Manager Armando Tiscareño, said. “We’re bringing together the best local builders and designers alongside international experts. We have a flexible and collaborative approach to this complex project in the heart of Austin, while creating significant opportunities for local employment and business growth. We’re committed to building the world-class light rail system Austin deserves.”
As design advances and construction is authorized, ARC will bid portions of the work to local and statewide businesses, including subcontractors, material suppliers, specialty contractors and small businesses.
“Austin is building the transportation system our growing city demands,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “Selecting a construction partner is a major step forward in delivering the voter-mandated transit system and will provide infrastructure careers for thousands in our region. This milestone reflects real progress toward improving mobility, supporting long-term affordability and strengthening our economy.”
The contract covers the design and construction phase for the 10-mile segment of the proposed light rail line. It’s one of three key agreements the partnership expects to approve this year. The others will fund the operations and management facility near U.S. 183 and State Highway 71. Another will be used to purchase the train cars.
The light rail system will feature 15 stations with all-electric trains running every five to 10 minutes throughout most of the day. Austin Light Rail is designed to be expandable for future extensions, ATP said.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and finish by 2033.