Plans to build a $7-billion light rail system in Austin, Texas, are advancing as the Austin Transit Partnership recently selected AECOM-led team LINC Austin to serve as its delivery partner for the system’s first phase.

In addition to AECOM Technical Services, LINC Austin includes Parsons, STV, Turner & Townsend, Ardmore Roderick and CAS Consulting. As delivery partner, the firms will provide staff and various management and technical services.

Austin_light_rail_map_ENR.jpgMap courtesy Austin Transit Partnership

“ATP will remain a lean organization throughout the completion of Austin Light Rail Phase 1, partnering closely with the private sector to attract top talent to successfully deliver one of the largest transit infrastructure projects in the nation today,” said Greg Canally, Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) executive director, in a statement. 

The agency received six responses to a request for qualifications last year, records show. ATP’s board authorized the $98.5-million contract with a four-year base term and options for two additional four-year terms during a Dec. 18 meeting. Officials pointed to AECOM’s past experience with projects including the London Crossrail, Ontario Line South and San Francisco Downtown Rail Extension in making their selection. 

Phase 1 is planned to include 9.8 miles of rail and 15 stations, with on-street lines between 38th Street in the north, Oltorf Street in the south and Yellow Jacket Lane in the east. Austin Transit Partnership also has plans to potentially extend the lines further north and further east, to the airport, in this phase if funding is available, and additional plans for further expansion north and south in future phases of work. Several stations would offer connections to other rail and bus services. 

“This critical project will transform how Austinites navigate their city, with the promise of stimulating economic growth, protecting the existing environment and promoting a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Lara Poloni, AECOM president, in a statement. 

ATP is beginning procurement this month for design and construction contracts that it expects will total more than $4 billion. Officials anticipate awarding contracts next year for construction to start in 2027. 

While voters approved a tax to fund the project in 2020, the project faced legal challenges brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. A ruling last fall allowed the project to continue advancing.