Austin Rail Constructors joint venture lands $60 million project to begin pre-construction work
A rendering of Austin’s light rail system. The builder for the project has been selected. Artist conceptual visualization, Austin Transit Partnership
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin agency overseeing the city’s planned light rail network has selected the construction contractor for the project.
The selection of Austin Rail Constructors, a joint venture of firms Stacy Witbeck and Sundt Construction, was approved on Wednesday (Feb. 18) by the board of the Austin Transit Partnership, the local government corporation charged with developing the light rail system. With that approval came a $60 million contract for pre-construction activities and finalizing of the project design — the first phase of what will be a multibillion dollar contract.
“This is a big, important milestone for Austin Light Rail,” ATP CEO Greg Canally said in a press release. “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.”
The project is using a design-build model that brings the construction partner on board sooner, with the goal of earlier alignment of project planning to prevent costly change orders and construction delays, ATP said.
“Austin Rail Constructors is ready to deliver light rail for Austin,” ARC 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.”
The planned light rail system will cover almost 10 miles and include 15 stations. Subsequent extensions would include a connection to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, southeast of the city, as well as three additional stations to the north of downtown.
More information on the project is available at the Austin Transit Partnership website.
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The planned Austin light rail system, with phase 1 (in yellow) as well as planned extensions. Austin Transit Partnership