The city of Austin in Texas has selected Austin Rail Contractors (ARC) to build its first light rail line, with construction on track to start in 2027. ARC is a joint venture between Stacy Witbeck and Sundt Construction. Pre-construction activity worth USD 60M will start straight away. The 10-mile (16km) 15-stop north–south line from 38th St to Oltorf and Yellow Jacket should be carrying passengers by 2033. Further extensions are planned, north to Crestview and south to the airport. ARC will carry out all infrastructure and signalling works, including an Operations and Maintenance Facility. The next stage is a tender for LRVs, due to close in March.
Austin Mayor, Kirk Watson, said, ‘Austin is building the transportation system our growing city demands. Selecting a construction partner is a major step forward in delivering the voter-mandated transit system and will provide infrastructure careers for thousands in our region. This milestone reflects real progress towards improving mobility, supporting the long-term affordability and strengthening our economy’. Nearly 60% of Austinites voted for a light rail system in a November 2020 referendum.
A map of the planned light rail line in Austin. (ATP)
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