[Urbannizer]

$60 million contract for Austin Light Rail’s 1st phase approved by ATP board

https://www.atptx.org/austin-transit...in-light-rail/

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A multi-million dollar design-build contract for the first phase of Austin’s first light rail system was approved on Wednesday.

Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), the local government corporation in charge of Austin’s light rail system, selected Austin Rail Constructors as the contractor for Austin Light Rail.

ATP’s Board unanimously approved the $60 million contract for Austin Rail Constructors (ARC), which is a joint venture between Stacy and Witbeck Inc. and Sundt Construction Inc.

ARC will coordinate and execute 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,” according to a press release from ATP.

Wednesday’s contract approval means ATP may begin pre-construction activities and finalize the design for the first phase of what is anticipated to be a multibillion-dollar, multi-phase project for Austin Light Rail.

“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.

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