AUSTIN — Austin Transit Partnership approved a $60 million contract Wednesday with Austin Rail Constructors to design and build the first phase of the city’s light rail system.
ATP said the contract covers design and construction of transitways, tracks, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures, and streetscape improvements. ARC, a joint venture of Stacy and Witbeck Inc. and Sundt Construction Inc., was selected after a year-long competitive procurement process that evaluated experience, technical approach, and design innovation.
With the contract approved, ATP can begin pre-construction work and finalize designs for the initial phase of the planned multi-phase, multibillion-dollar system. The first phase will include 15 stations along a nearly 10-mile route, with all-electric trains running every 5–10 minutes.
ATP said ARC will subcontract portions of the work, creating opportunities for local and statewide vendors, including small businesses. The agency expects construction to begin in 2027 and said the early involvement of ARC will help reduce delays and control costs.
Mayor Kirk Watson and ATP CEO Greg Canally said the project will expand mobility, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy.
