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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A $60M start to a multi-billion dollar contract for light rail, mostly at grade, not a full-fledged grade separated subway or “el” like America used to be able to afford but no longer.
The cost is what it is and we can assume well in line with similar projects elsewhere. Just don’t think that rail transit comes cheap.
The system will reach downtown and UT, and, eventually Austin’s busy airport. All that is good, as far as it goes. Austin is like all Texas cities, sprawling to each compass point. Three light rail lines will provide a welcome transportation alternative for some limited number of riders. The vast majority will be on the bus or in their automobiles.