ATP Releases Solicitation for Design and Construction of Austin Light Rail Phase 1

Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has released an official solicitation for the final design and construction contract in preparation for the breaking of ground on the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 alignment beginning in 2027.

The selection process will see ATP choose a partner responsible for helping to both shape and build a large majority of the new system including its transitway, tracks, systems, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures and streetscape.

The agreement is expected to remain in place through the duration of the project’s design, construction and opening for service, which is currently estimated to begin in 2033.

Austin Light Rail is set to be built utilising a design-build battery model, allowing ATP to remain in constant collaboration with its industry partners through design solutions balancing technical requirements with Austin’s needs, construction based design focused on efficiency allowing for minimal city delays throughout, and the integration of construction costs into design development enabling budget alignment.

The finalisation of the solicitation formed by industry feedback has been undertaken by ATP over the course of the last year, with the organisation set to use a two-step procurement process that began with a release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on 05 June 2025. Responses are due by 03 July 2025, with qualified firms set to be invited to participate in a comprehensive Request for Proposals (RFP) process evaluating team experience, approach and cost.

ATP also issued a Request for Information (RFI) last February, subsequently hosting the Connect and Build: Partnerships for Austin Light Rail industry event which offered firms a chance to both preview the project’s overall scope and assemble responsible teams.

ATP CEO Greg Canally said:

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.

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.

The new 7.1 billion USD light rail system, set to be Austin’s first, will introduce all-electric trains across the city running at intervals of 5-10 minutes throughout most of the day. Currently, there are plans for 15 stations along a near 10-mile alignment, miles of new pedestrian and cycling paths and new bridge across Lady Bird Lake.

ATP is expected to award the contract in early 2026.