Texas’s Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) selected Kiewit Austin Partnership (KAP), a joint venture between Kiewit Building Group Inc. (Kiewit) and Austin Commercial, as the design-build contractor for the system’s Operations and Maintenance Facility.

The ATP board’s approval of the KAP team enables ATP to begin pre-construction activities, including advancing design, initiating permitting, and preparing the site for future construction.

“The Operations and Maintenance Facility is integral to the success of the system — it’s where trains are maintained, cleaned, and prepared for service each day,” said ATP CEO Greg Canally. “By bringing together a world-class construction partner with deep local experience, we are setting this project up for long-term success while creating jobs and economic opportunity across Central Texas.”

ATP’s New Partner

The KAP team represents a strategic partnership between Kiewit, a global leader in infrastructure construction, and Austin Commercial, a local firm with extensive experience delivering complex projects in Austin, including landmarks such as Q2 Stadium and Circuit of the Americas. Together, the team brings a combination of international expertise and local knowledge to design and build the facility to meet the needs of both the transit system and the surrounding community, according to officials.

“Kiewit brings extensive experience delivering complex transit infrastructure and design-build projects across North America,” said Mike Johnson, executive vice president of Kiewit Building Group Inc. “We’re proud to support this important investment in Austin’s mobility and deliver a high-quality project that will serve the community for years to come.”

KAP will lead the design and construction of the Operations and Maintenance Facility, where Austin’s light rail vehicles will be stored, serviced, and dispatched.

The facility will also serve as a workplace for operators, maintenance crews, and support staff who will keep the system running safely and efficiently.

KAP 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.

ATP completed the procurement in approximately one year, faster than many comparable mega projects nationwide.

The selected team includes approximately 10 subcontractors for the design phase of work, roughly half of whom are in the Austin region. It will provide many more opportunities for local businesses to participate in construction.

The OMF project is expected to support thousands of jobs during design and construction, including roles for architects, engineers, skilled construction trades, and suppliers. Once operational, the facility will also create hundreds of long-term careers in operations and maintenance, contributing to Austin’s growing workforce and economy, ATP officials said.

What’s Next?

Following board approval, KAP will begin work immediately, co-locating in the ATP office to advance design, conduct field investigations, coordinate utilities, and prepare permitting packages. The efforts will help optimize the project’s design, constructability, schedule, and cost to ensure it is ready for future construction.

The Operations and Maintenance Facility is being designed with a strong focus on integration with its surrounding environment. The facility will be thoughtfully planned to be a good neighbor, incorporating design elements that prioritize safety, functionality, and a high-quality work environment for employees.

Austin’s first light rail system will feature 15 stations along a nearly 10-mile alignment with all-electric trains running every five to 10 minutes throughout most of the day. According to officials, the system is designed to be fully expandable to support future growth.