The Austin Transit Partnership board has approved Austin Rail Constructors as the construction contractor for Austin’s first light rail system, clearing the way for pre-construction work ahead of a planned 2027 groundbreaking.

The decision, approved Feb. 18, authorizes the partnership to begin advancing final design and early project development under the first phase of what officials describe as a multibillion-dollar contract.

Austin Rail Constructors, a joint venture between Stacy Witbeck and Sundt Construction, will oversee design and construction of key system components, including tracks, stations, bridges, drainage infrastructure, traffic signals and streetscape improvements.

Project Scope

The system will include 15 stations along nearly 10 miles of track. Trains will run every five to 10 minutes for much of the day using all-electric vehicles. Planners designed the system to accommodate future expansions.

The light rail line represents one of the largest public infrastructure investments in Austin’s history and aims to address rising transportation demand in the rapidly growing city.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called the contractor selection a significant milestone for the voter-approved transit initiative and said the project will generate thousands of infrastructure jobs across the region.

According to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and ATP CEO Greg Canally, the light rail project is expected to generate significant local economic benefits. They said it will create thousands of construction and infrastructure jobs and provide opportunities for local and small businesses through competitive subcontracting, supporting regional economic growth while advancing the city’s first major public transit system.

Procurement Process

Austin Rail Constructors was identified as the highest-ranked firm following a competitive procurement process that evaluated experience, technical approach, personnel qualifications and design innovation.

According to the transit partnership, the procurement process lasted approximately one year. Before issuing formal solicitations, the agency conducted a request-for-information process and hosted industry networking events aimed at increasing participation from local and small businesses.

As the project moves into design and early construction phases, portions of the work will be competitively bid, creating additional opportunities for subcontractors, material suppliers and specialty contractors.

Design-Build Approach

The partnership is using a design-build delivery model that brings the construction contractor into the project during the design phase. Officials say the approach improves coordination, reduces the risk of cost overruns and limits delays from later design changes.

Over the next year, the contractor will work with the transit partnership to refine the project’s scope, schedule and cost estimates while incorporating community feedback collected during earlier planning phases.

Similar to the Foothill Gold Line in California, where the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority reported significant economic benefits from the upcoming 2.3-mile Claremont extension of the Metro A Line, Austin’s light rail is expected to generate substantial local jobs and regional economic activity.

The partnership plans to begin construction in 2027. Officials did not disclose project cost estimates in the contractor selection announcement.

Factsheet: Austin Light Rail Project

Project Owner

Austin Transit Partnership

Construction Contractor (Selected)

Austin Rail Constructors (joint venture of Stacy Witbeck and Sundt Construction)

Location: Austin, Texas

Project Type: Urban light rail transit system

System Length: Nearly 10 miles

Stations: 15 planned stations

Train Operations: All-electric trains

Service every 5–10 minutes during most of the day

Delivery Model: Design-build

Current Phase

Pre-construction and final design

Construction Start Target: 2027

Estimated Contract Value

Multibillion-dollar (exact figure not yet disclosed)

Economic Impact

Thousands of infrastructure and construction jobs expected

Competitive bidding opportunities for local and statewide businesses

Expansion Potential

System designed for future extensions