The agency tasked with building Austin's voter-approved light rail system—Austin Transit Partnership—announced Aug. 5 that three firms have been selected to move into the final round of evaluation for a design and construction contract worth an estimated $3 billion.
Here’s what we know
“The partners ATP selects for this contract 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. The agreement is expected to extend through the duration of design, construction and opening for service, planned for 2033,” the agency said in a news release.
The transit authority outlined a few things they looked for during the review of firm proposals:
- Innovative designs that meet technical needs while reflecting Austin’s unique character
- Plans for construction in a way that keeps the city moving during the build
- Up-to-date construction costs early in the design process to keep the project on budget
Austin Rail Constructors
A joint venture between Stacy Witbeck Inc. and Sundt Construction Inc., ARC was formed specifically to support Project Connect. The team highlights its track record of delivering light rail projects tailored to the needs of the client and the broader community. The construction team is supported by design partners Mott MacDonald and Stantec.
Stacy Witbeck is a full-service construction company that can handle large infrastructure projects from start to finish, using its own crews to do much of the work, according to the company’s website.
“We’re known as being the go-to contractor for the complex urban projects requiring a partner who understands how to make projects successful,” the website states.
Previous projects include the Brightline West LA-Vegas high-speed rail project, Austin’s McKalla Station and many other transit projects.
Sundt’s past work spans buildings, industrial facilities, renewable energy, natural resources and transportation projects. Its transit experience includes four projects for Arizona’s Valley Metro Rail—such as a storage facility, new rail lines and two extensions—and ongoing work on a utility infrastructure project at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
FCC Construction Inc.
FCC Construction, also known as FCC Construcción, is a Spain-based company with 125 years of experience in infrastructure projects, including more than 2,000 miles of railway. The company has delivered major infrastructure projects—including highways, rail lines, airports and tunnels—across the globe in countries such as Chile, Brazil, Peru, Canada, Spain and Romania.
Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.
Kiewit is part of one of the largest and most well-known construction and engineering firms in North America, with extensive experience in major transportation and industrial projects, according to the company’s website.
The company has worked on rail systems across the country, including in Houston, and is also active locally with projects like a solar installation for Austin Energy near Bastrop.
Looking ahead
The selected firms will now submit proposals to ATP by Oct. 24.
A request for proposals, or RFP, is a formal process used by organizations—such as cities or transit agencies—which asks companies to submit detailed plans and cost estimates for a major project. Each proposal outlines how the company would approach the work, how long it would take and how much it would cost. The agency then reviews the submissions and selects the team that best meets the project’s goals.
ATP officials are expected to award a contract in early 2026.
Ben Thompson contributed to this article.
