Austin Transit Partnership has released the official solicitation for the multibillion-dollar final design and construction contract that will be awarded early next year in preparation to break ground on Austin Light Rail Phase 1 in 2027.
Austin’s first light rail system will transform how people move around the city with all-electric trains running reliably every 5-10 minutes most of the day, connecting people to major job centers, education hubs and iconic destinations. Designed to expand as the city grows, the $7.1 billion project includes 15 stations along a nearly 10-mile alignment, miles of new pedestrian and cycling paths, and a new bridge across Lady Bird Lake.
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.
“Austin Light Rail is a mega infrastructure project that will offer qualified businesses across Texas and beyond a competitive opportunity to provide the materials and services needed to deliver the project,” said CEO Greg Canally. “This final design and construction contract adheres to ATP’s model to partner with the private sector to attract top talent to deliver a world-class light rail system for Austin.”
ATP will build Austin Light Rail using a progressive design-build delivery model that enables the organization to closely collaborate with industry partners through:
- Innovative design solutions that balance technical requirements with Austin’s unique needs.
- A design focused on efficient construction to keep Austin moving while the project is being built.
- Integration of the latest construction costs into design development to ensure the project design aligns with the project budget.
ATP worked over the last year to finalize the solicitation that was informed by industry feedback. ATP is using a two-step procurement process that began with the June 5, 2025 release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), with responses due by July 3, 2025. Qualified firms will then be invited to participate in a comprehensive Request for Proposals (RFP) process evaluating team experience, approach and cost.
To strengthen competition and encourage early engagement, ATP issued a Request for Information (RFI) last February and hosted the Connect and Build: Partnerships for Austin Light Rail industry event, offering firms an opportunity to preview the scope and assemble strong teams.
ATP anticipates awarding the final design and construction contract in early 2026.
To learn more about the RFQ visit www.atptx.org/milestones/final-design-and-construction-rfq.