Authorities in Austin have selected the team that will start work on the city’s light railways system.
The Austin Transit Partnership selected a series of companies, including Texas-based infrastructure firm AECOM to construct the first phase of the transport system, which aims to cover over ten miles of the city.
Newsweek contacted the Austin Transit Partnership for more information via email.
Why It Matters
The Austin light rail system is one of the largest urban infrastructure projects in the U.S., with a price tag of $7 billion. The selection of construction partners represents a major step forward with the project’s progress, which is aiming to wrap up by 2033.
What To Know
The initial phase of the project spans approximately 10 miles, incorporating 15 stations alongside new pedestrian and bike pathways, according to Austin Transit Partnership.
Future phases are expected to expand the system, connecting key northern hubs and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to the south.
Under the terms of an initial four-year contract, LINC Austin will oversee program and project management, construction oversight, and provide technical expertise throughout the project’s life cycle, from planning and design to post-construction.
The light rail system, which will be fully electric, is designed to integrate with Austin’s existing transit network, enhancing connectivity across the city. Key destinations on the route include Lady Bird Lake, downtown Austin, and the University of Texas at Austin.
AP Photo
The project is a cornerstone of the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, a comprehensive effort to improve the accessibility, reliability, and reach of the city’s transportation systems.
What People Are Saying
Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president, said in a statement: “We are the global leader in transportation, and we are proud of our partnership with ATP for Austin’s first light rail transit system.
“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.”
What Happens Next
The next two years will see the project enter extensive planning phases, with construction planned for 2025 and a finish date of 2033.
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