USA: The Austin Rail Constructors joint venture of Stacy Witbeck and Sundt Construction has been selected as design and build contractor for the Texas state capital’s planned light rail line.
The 15·7 km Phase 1 is to run from 38th Street to Yellow Jacket with a branch to Oltorf. The double-track street-running tramway is to have 15 stops and will include pedestrian and cycling paths and a bridge across Lady Bird Lake. It is scheduled to open in 2033, with services running every 5-10 min for most of the day.
There will be provision for future extensions from 38th Street to Crestview and Yellow Jacket to the airport.
Rapid procurement
Announcing the selection of ARC as highest ranked bidder on February 18, the city’s project promoter Austin Transit Partnership said it had completed the procurement in approximately a year, ‘faster than many comparable megaprojects nationwide’.
A progressive design-build delivery model was chosen to bring the construction partner onboard at an early stage to prevent costly change orders and future construction delays. The competitive procurement evaluated factors including experience, personnel qualifications, technical approach and design innovation.
To encourage competition ATP engaged with industry before the formal call for bids, and structured the process to encourage early co-ordination between large firms and local businesses. This included hosting networking events to foster opportunities for small businesses to participate.
ARC said it brings experience from 28 starter light rail systems, and includes 27 firms, 70% of which are based or present in Texas. ‘We are ready to work alongside our local partners to ensure an efficient, cost-effective progressive design build process that creates significant economic and mobility opportunities for this thriving metro area’, said ARC. ‘And we’re committed to building a world-class system for Austin, by Austin.’
ATP previously appointed Aecom to provide programme management oversight, environmental and design management services and support commissioning and operational readiness.
Next steps
ATP will now work with ARC to finalise the scope, schedule, cost and design for the project. As the project progresses, ARC will competitively tender portions of the work to create opportunities for local subcontractors, material suppliers, specialist contractors and small businesses.
‘We are bringing together the best local builders and designers alongside international experts’, said ARC Project Manager Armando Tiscareño. ‘We have a flexible and collaborative approach to this complex project in the heart of Austin, while creating significant opportunities for local employment and business growth. We’re committed to building the world-class light rail system Austin deserves.’
ATP CEO Greg Canally said ‘with this contract now in place we are on track to begin construction in 2027. Not only is Austin getting this major transit project, but we are also creating thousands of jobs and economic opportunity here in Texas.’
