ATP Selects Contractor for Austin Light Rail
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
An artistic rendering of a child looking out the window of a light-rail train crossing the planned bridge over Lady Bird Lake.
AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Transit Partnership has selected Austin Rail Constructors (ARC) as the construction contractor for Austin Light Rail.
ATP says this is “another major step” before construction begins in 2027. During a February 18 meeting, the ATP Board approved ARC, allowing it 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,” says ATP. ARC is a joint venture between Stacy Witbeck and Sundt Construction. It will design and construct the transit way, systems, bridges, stations, tracks, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures, and improvements to the streetscape.
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.”
Austin Rail Constructors Project Manager Armando Tiscareño said, “Austin Rail Constructors is ready to deliver light rail for Austin. . . 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.”
ATP selected ARC after a one year procurement process. After it had gone through a Request for Information process, ATP structured the procurement process to incentivize coordination between firms and businesses by hosting Connect & Build industry networking events. ATP says once design and construction advances, ARC will “competitively bid portions of the work,” which in turn, creates opportunities for local businesses. ARC was selected after ATP assessed the qualifications, approach, and experience of the firm.
ATP’s chosen design-build model includes the final construction partner sooner in the project
with the goal of earlier alignment.” This is to prevent any delays in construction and unforeseen costs. ATP will work with ARC over the course of the next year to provide feedback on designs. In turn, ARC will incorporate said feedback.
Map Courtesy of Austin Transit Partnership
