Kyle Keahey, a 30-year veteran of transportation projects throughout Texas and the nation, was chosen by Capital Metro, the City of Austin and Lone Star Rail District officials to lead the Urban Rail Program where he will manage ongoing planning, funding and future implementation of rail transit in Central Texas.

Keahey, who is currently VP, transit sector market leader, for HNTB’s Central Division, has managed projects that have led to more than $6 billion in infrastructure investments. He will remain an HNTB employee while serving in a consultant role for the three Central Texas regional transportation agencies.

In his five years with HNTB, Keahey served in lead positions for multi-modal projects in Aspen, Colo. and San Antonio. Prior to joining HNTB, he was project manager and environmental task leader for two of Denver’s light-rail transit extensions.

He also served for 10 years as the project manager and environmental impact study task leader for multiple Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail projects, including the original 20-mile starter system. His work in Houston; Salt Lake City; and Charlotte, N.C. also provided him with extensive experience to manage large, complex transit solutions.

Keahey’s work will begin immediately, continue through late 2014 and be conducted through an existing contract between Capital Metro and HNTB.

The three regional transportation partners who form the Project Connect partnership are currently operating or pursuing potential development investments in the following passenger rail infrastructure within the Central Texas regional high-capacity transit vision:

• Capital Metro operates the MetroRail Red Line, providing commuter rail service from Leander to downtown Austin; it has proposed future commuter service from Elgin to downtown Austin and is currently evaluating options for high capacity transit service through its Project Connect North Corridor study.

• The City of Austin is currently studying the potential design and feasibility of an initial Urban Rail line in Downtown Austin that would link the Capital Metro and Lone Star Rail District rail services to form a single regional rail system that could also ultimately provide service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the Texas State Capitol Complex, the University of Texas, the Mueller Redevelopment and other destinations in Austin.

• The Lone Star Rail District is conducting environmental studies and working with the Union Pacific Railroad to establish the regional LSTAR passenger rail line, with potential stations in Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin (including downtown Austin), Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz and San Antonio.