Austin Transit Partnership selects contractor to help build Austin Light Rail

Contract appointment paves way for construction on multibillion dollar light rail project in Texas to start in 2027.

Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), the local government corporation charged with implementing Austin’s first light rail system, has selected Austin Rail Constructors (ARC) as the construction contractor for Austin Light Rail, marking another major step toward beginning construction in 2027.

The ATP board’s approval of ARC at a meeting last month enables ATP to begin pre-construction activities and advance final design for Austin Light Rail under the first phase of what will be a multibillion-dollar contract.

ATP CEO Greg Canally said: “This is a big, important milestone for Austin Light Rail. 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, a joint venture between nationally and locally recognised firms Stacy Witbeck and Sundt Construction, will help shape and build 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. 

The selected team is composed of industry leaders with extensive local, national and international experience delivering complex transit and infrastructure projects, including McKalla Station, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and national rail projects in Arizona, Hawaii and Utah. The selection demonstrates ATP’s commitment to economic development in Texas, with several Texas-based contractors represented within ARC’s subcontractor team. 

“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,” said Tiscareño.

ARC was identified as the highest-ranked firm following a rigorous, competitive procurement process that evaluated elements including firms’ experience, personnel qualifications, technical approach and design innovation.

ATP completed the procurement in approximately one year, faster than many comparable megaprojects nationwide. Prior to issuing formal solicitations, ATP engaged industry through a Request for Information process, including feedback on contracting documents, to encourage strong competition. ATP also structured the procurement process to encourage early coordination between major firms and local businesses.

As design advances and construction are authorised, ARC will competitively bid portions of the work, creating opportunities for local and statewide businesses, including subcontractors, material suppliers, specialty contractors and small businesses.

Austin’s first light rail system will feature 15 stations along a nearly ten-mile alignment and consist of all-electric trains running every five to ten minutes throughout most of the day. Austin Light Rail is designed to be fully expandable for future extensions.