02 Austin Light Rail — original pdf
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Austin Light Rail April 7, 2026 Urban Transportation Commission Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Light rail is an expandable electric train system designed for metropolitan areas, serving as an integral part of the transit network by connecting people to essential destinations where they live, work and play. ACCESS TO: 136K CURRENT JOBS 200K+ FUTURE JOBS 15 STATIONS connecting north, south and east Austin 9.8 MILES of light rail transit 29K DAILY TRIPS on an average weekday 2 Presentation Title 3 Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Austin Light Rail Timeline 4 Achieving Milestones • Advancing through the Capital Investment Grants program • Received a medium-high rating - the highest rating awarded by the Federal Transit Administration in the Fiscal Year 2026 cycle • Completed the NEPA Final Environmental Impact Statement in January 2026, the first major New Starts project to do so within the required 2-year deadline • 2026: Awarding Contracts to Build Austin Light Rail • February: ATP Board awards final design & construction contract to Austin Rail Constructors • Spring: ATP Board expected to award contract for construction of Operations & Maintenance Facility • Summer: ATP Board expected to award contract for light rail vehicles 5 Contracts to be Awarded in 2026 Civils, Rail, Stations, Systems Operations & Maintenance Facility Light Rail Vehicles • Progressive Design-Build • Progressive Design-Build • Summer 2026 Award • February 18th Board Award to Austin Rail Constructors • Phase 1: Preconstruction (continuing design and planning) • Phase 2: Construction • Q2 2026 Award • Phase 1: Preconstruction (continuing design and planning) • Phase 2: Construction • Design coordination with design-build teams • Vehicle design and manufacturing 6 What is Progressive Design-Build? A collaborative construction method where the owner works with the designer & builder from an early stage Helps identify opportunities for innovation and optimization Reduces and manages risks by having all parties at the table at an earlier stage Frequent and early collaboration enhances efficiency and timeliness of delivery 7 LRT Contractor Preconstruction Overview Pre-Construction Activities 2026 Preconstruction (1A): Design Progression & Construction Planning 2027 2028 … 2/18/2026 Board Authorization Preconstruction (1B): Final Design & Permitting Board Authorization to finish final design Construction Packages Board Authorization for Construction Packages Preconstruction (1A): Design Progression & Construction Planning • Advance design and initiate permitting • Field work and utility coordination Preconstruction (1B): Final Design & Permitting • Advance design and refine construction cost estimates to execute construction packages (may be staggered) • Constructability reviews, innovation, and integrated cost estimating • Advance Right-of-Way acquisition activities • Obtain Third Party approvals and permits • Planning for construction: phasing, sequencing, and schedule • Engage community in design and construction planning • Prepare for FTA requirements DELIBERATIVE DRAFT/CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION Planning for Construction • Sequencing & Scheduling: Contractor teams to start planning how construction will be sequenced and scheduled. • Supporting Businesses: Performing a robust and comprehensive needs assessment to explore supporting businesses during construction. • Public Art: Readying a public art program that celebrates and integrates with Austin’s creative DNA. • Construction Coordination: Enhancing coordination with local agencies to improve public safety and reduce impacts on residents, businesses, and travelers through the Central Texas Construction Partnership Program. 9 Thank You.