Early Field Work Begins on Austin's Long-Awaited Light Rail Project

The $60 million contract to design and build the system has been awarded, paving the way for initial survey and utility work.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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After years of planning, Austin's first light rail system is moving forward with the selection of a contractor to design and build the nearly 10-mile project. The Austin Transit Partnership has awarded a $60 million contract to Austin Rail Constructors, a joint venture between Sundt Construction and Stacy and Witbeck, to begin early survey and utility work ahead of the main construction phase slated to start in 2027.

Why it matters

The light rail project is a key part of Austin's long-term transportation plan, known as Project Connect, which was approved by voters in 2020. Despite some legal challenges, the project is progressing, with the federal environmental review now complete and the city awaiting a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court on the project's funding method.

The details

The initial contract will cover design, construction of the transitway, tracks, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, and other infrastructure. Austin Transit Partnership says the procurement process was faster than typical for a project of this scale. Early field work like utility location and ground surveys will begin this week, with the main construction phase still on track to start in 2027.

  • In 2020, Austin voters approved a tax rate hike to fund the light rail project as part of Project Connect.
  • In early 2022, the project was scaled back to under 10 miles due to rising construction costs.
  • In mid-February 2026, Austin Transit Partnership selected Austin Rail Constructors as the contractor for the light rail project.
  • In January 2026, the project reached a major milestone with a 'Record of Decision' from the Federal Transit Administration, completing the federal environmental review.
  • Construction on the light rail system is scheduled to begin in 2027.

The players

Austin Transit Partnership (ATP)

The group tasked with bringing the light rail system to life in Austin.

Austin Rail Constructors (ARC)

A joint venture between Stacy and Witbeck Inc. and Sundt Construction Inc. that was selected as the contractor for the light rail project.

Lindsay Wood

Executive Vice President for Construction and Design at ATP.

Casey Burack

Executive Vice President for Business and Legal Affairs at ATP.

Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General whose office has filed a lawsuit challenging the project's funding method.

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What they’re saying

“We'll have people out in the field. You'll see us in the spring in hardhats and all doing things like locating utilities and surveying ground conditions and really getting us ready for the big construction to start.”

— Lindsay Wood, Executive Vice President for Construction and Design, Austin Transit Partnership (KXAN)

“We look forward to the Texas Supreme Court's ruling on the Attorney General's jurisdictional challenge so that we can put these attempts to delay the project behind us. We are confident in our case and remain ready for our day in court...The pending litigation has not slowed our progress.”

— Casey Burack, Executive Vice President for Business and Legal Affairs, Austin Transit Partnership (KXAN)

What’s next

The Texas Supreme Court is expected to rule on the Attorney General's lawsuit challenging the project's funding method in the coming months, which could remove a key legal hurdle for the light rail project.

The takeaway

After years of planning and legal battles, Austin's light rail project is finally moving forward with the selection of a contractor and the start of early field work. This marks a significant milestone for the city's long-term transportation goals, despite the ongoing legal challenges that the project faces.