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Austin, Texas, continues to make progress on its Austin Light Rail project. In December, Austin moved closer to realizing a connected and accessible transit future by announcing that AECOM would be the project’s delivery partner.
The infrastructure project, estimated to cost up to $8 billion, aims to address the city’s growing mobility demands while offering a sustainable and efficient alternative for residents and visitors.
Phase 1 “More than $4 Billion” in Construction Contracts
The first phase of the Austin Light Rail system will span approximately 10 miles and include 15 stations, connecting major destinations such as downtown Austin, the University of Texas, and Lady Bird Lake.
Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) is a local government corporation spearheading Austin Light Rail Phase 1 and is tasked with the planning, financing, execution, and oversight of the project.
ATP said in a statement, “AECOM is expected to begin work in January, the same month ATP will initiate procurement of final design and construction contracts valued at more than $4 billion. The contracts are expected to be awarded in 2026, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027.”
An artist rendering of Austin Light Rail at Guadalupe Street at 4th Street. Image: Austin Transit Partnership
Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president, said in a December statement, “Cities across the U.S. continue to make unprecedented investments in rail infrastructure, and Austin is no exception. 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.”
This initial phase is a keystone in the City’s Strategic Mobility Plan, setting the foundation for combating congestion and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
Artist rendering of Austin Light Rail with multiple modes of transportation and pedestrians using the space simultaneously. Image: Austin Transit Partnership (ATP)
Greg Canally, Executive Director of Austin Transit Partnership, said in a statement how collaboration among project partners is central to its success. “This project is much more than a transportation initiative; it’s a statement of our city’s priorities—sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation,” Canally said.
Additional Project Partners Announced
Late last year, Parsons announced that they and additional project partners, including STV, Turner & Townsend, Ardmore Roderick, and CAS Consulting (LINC Austin), had also been selected for the light rail megaproject.
Parsons said, “As a major sub-consultant to AECOM, Parsons will provide a comprehensive range of services, including systems integration support, interface management, construction management, quality management, and design management.”
AECOM offers infrastructure consulting services across the project lifecycle, including planning, design, engineering, and construction management. The company’s expertise is in transportation, buildings, water, energy, and environmental projects.
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