Austin Transit Partnership, the local government corporation charged with implementing Austin’s first light rail system, selected Austin Rail Constructors (ARC) as the construction contractor for Austin Light Rail, marking another major step toward beginning construction in 2027.

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.

“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 opportunity here in Texas.”

The ARC Team

ARC — a joint venture between nationally and locally recognized firms Stacy Witbeck and Sundt Construction — will help shape and build nearly every aspect of the system, including the transitway, tracks, systems, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures, and streetscape improvements. 

The selected team 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, said ATP.

The selection demonstrates ATP’s commitment to economic development in Texas, with several Texas-based contractors represented within ARC’s subcontractor team. 

“Austin Rail Constructors is ready to deliver light rail for Austin,” said ARC Project Manager Armando Tiscareño. “We’re bringing together the best local builders and designers alongside international experts. We have a flexible, collaborative approach to this complex project in the heart of Austin, creating significant opportunities for local employment and business growth. We’re committed to building the world-class light rail system Austin deserves.”

The Road to Today

ARC was identified as the highest-ranked firm following a rigorous, competitive procurement process that evaluated factors such as firms’ experience, personnel qualifications, technical approach, and design innovation, according to an ATP press release.

ATP completed the procurement in approximately one year, faster than many comparable mega projects nationwide. Before issuing formal solicitations, ATP engaged the industry through a Request for Information process, including feedback on contracting documents, to encourage strong competition.

ATP also structured the procurement process to encourage early coordination between major firms and local businesses, hosting Connect & Build industry networking events to foster opportunities for small and local businesses to participate in one of the largest infrastructure investments in the region’s history.

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

About the Project

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 and preventing costly change orders and future construction delays.

In the coming year, ATP will work with ARC to provide current designs and feedback collected from the community. ARC will incorporate that input into the project's scope, schedule, cost, constructability, and design innovation.

Austin’s first light rail system will feature 15 stations along a nearly 10-mile alignment and consist of all-electric trains running every five to 10 minutes throughout most of the day.

Austin Light Rail is designed to be fully expandable for future extensions.