Austin Rail Constructors Selected as Construction Contractor for Austin Light Rail

Austin Transit Partnership, 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. The ATP Board’s approval of ARC 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.

The Team

ARC, a joint venture between nationally and locally recognized 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. Design progression will be led by a joint venture of Mott MacDonald and Stantec.

“Austin Rail Constructors is ready to deliver light rail for Austin and by Austin,” said Armando Tiscareño, ARC Project Manager and Executive Vice President at Stacy Witbeck. “We’re bringing together the best builders and designers, while creating meaningful opportunities for local employment and business growth. We’re committed to building the world-class light rail system Austin deserves.”

“We are excited to collaborate with ATP and our ARC team, bringing our collective light rail and infrastructure experience to the table, to deliver a transit system that transforms resident and visitor experiences and supports Austin,” said Kevin Graf, Sundt vice president and Texas regional manager.

ARC 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.

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.

The Approach

Using progressive design-build methods and collaborative community processes, the ATP delivery team is bringing a transformative new light rail system to life for Austin.

The design-build model ATP has chosen to employ brings the final construction partner on board sooner in the project with the goal of earlier alignment, preventing costly change orders and future construction delays. In the coming year, ATP will work with ARC, providing current designs and feedback collected from the community. ARC will incorporate that input on scope, schedule, cost, constructability and design innovation for the project.

“This is a big, important milestone for Austin Light Rail,” ATP CEO Greg Canally said. “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 opportunities here in Texas.”

The Design

Austin’s first light rail system will feature 15 stations along a nearly 10-mile alignment and consist of all-electric trains running every 5–10 minutes throughout most of the day. Austin Light Rail is designed to be fully expandable for future extensions.

“We’re proud to support ARC as the lead designer, working alongside Stantec, to deliver Austin’s first light rail system. Drawing from our deep global expertise in light rail transit, we’re committed to creating a safe, reliable, and accessible transit system that strengthens connections across the city and enhances the everyday experience for all Austinites,” said Julia Barker, Mott MacDonald’s West Unit general manager.

“Austin Transit Partnership is leading one of the most important transit projects in the country,” said Dena Abakumov, transit and rail sector leader at Stantec. “We’re proud to support the world-class light rail system Austin deserves, tapping into our deep roots building transportation in Texas, as well as our national expertise delivering on some of the most significant rail projects in the US.”

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