Austin Transit Partnership Selects Contractor for Light Rail Project
AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has selected Austin Rail Constructors (ARC) as the construction contractor for the city’s first light rail system, marking a significant step toward beginning construction in 2027. The ATP Board approved the selection at its February 18th meeting, enabling the agency to begin pre-construction activities and advance the final design of the project.
“This represents a big, important milestone for Austin Light Rail,” said ATP CEO Greg Canally. “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, both nationally and locally recognized firms. The partnership will oversee the design and construction of nearly every aspect of the light rail system, including the transitway, tracks, systems, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures, and streetscape improvements.
The selected team brings extensive experience in complex transit and infrastructure projects, including work on McKalla Station, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and rail projects in Arizona, Hawaii, and Utah. The ATP emphasized that the selection demonstrates a 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,” said Armando Tiscareño, Project Manager for Austin Rail Constructors. “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.”
The ATP completed the procurement process in approximately one year, which the agency noted is faster than many comparable mega projects nationwide. Prior to issuing formal solicitations, ATP engaged with industry stakeholders through a Request for Information process, soliciting feedback on contracting documents to encourage strong competition. The agency also structured the process to encourage early coordination between major firms and local businesses, hosting “Connect & Build” industry networking events to foster participation from small and local businesses.
As design advances and construction is authorized, ARC will competitively bid portions of the work, creating opportunities for local and statewide businesses, including subcontractors, material suppliers, and specialty contractors.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson hailed the selection as a major step forward. “Austin is building the transportation system our growing city demands,” 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 ATP chose a design-build model, bringing the construction partner on board earlier in the project to promote alignment and prevent costly change orders and construction delays. Over the coming year, ATP will collaborate with ARC, providing current designs and incorporating feedback from the community on scope, schedule, cost, constructability, and design innovation.
Austin’s first light rail system will feature 15 stations along a nearly 10-mile alignment and will utilize all-electric trains running every 5–10 minutes throughout most of the day. The system is designed to be fully expandable for future extensions.
For more information on this and other ATP procurement opportunities, visit www.atptx.org/build-with-us/.
