Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has commenced the procurement process for the final design and construction contract for Austin Light Rail Phase 1, with awards expected to begin next year.
Austin Light Rail Phase 1 is set to enhance mobility across the city with an all-electric train service operating every 5-10 minutes throughout the day. The nearly 10-mile alignment includes 15 stations, new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and a bridge over Lady Bird Lake.
The project is designed to accommodate future expansion as the city grows, with construction slated to begin in 2027 and service projected to start in 2033.
As the first step in procurement, ATP has issued a request for information (RFI) to gather industry feedback on the largest contract associated with the project. This contract will cover the transitway, tracks, systems, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures, and streetscape. The selected partners will be engaged through the entire design and construction process.
ATP Executive Director Greg Canally said:Today marks an important milestone for Austin Light Rail as we begin to transition to the final design and construction phase of the project. Working closely with ATP, the partners selected for this contract will help shape and deliver nearly every aspect of Austin’s first light rail system and play a critical role in the project’s success.
ATP will implement a progressive design-build approach, which promotes collaboration with industry partners to:
- Develop innovative design solutions that balance technical requirements with Austin’s needs
- Ensure constructability remains a key focus to minimize disruptions during construction
- Integrate updated construction cost estimates into design development to align with budget expectations
The RFI process seeks to enhance competition and provide potential partners with comprehensive project details. Interested businesses have until 19 March to submit feedback.
To facilitate industry engagement, ATP will host the “Connect and Build: Partnerships for Austin Light Rail” event on 26 February. This networking event will connect small firms with prime contractors seeking to pursue the upcoming contract, expected to be released in June.
Austin Light Rail is projected to generate and support hundreds of thousands of jobs, with over 2,000 Texas businesses identified as potential suppliers for project components.
