Austin Light Rail
Connecting Austin with an Outcome-Certain Approach to Light Rail Infrastructure
The Austin Light Rail Project is a transformational transit system shaping the future of mobility in the city we proudly serve. Kiewit and our design partners AtkinsRealis, Freese & Nichols, Halff, HNTB, Snøhetta and UNStudio, are eager to help Austin realize its vision for sustainable, connected and reliable transportation. Backed by a strong track record for successfully delivering large-scale infrastructure projects in Texas and across North America, our team brings the proven expertise to execute this project with certainty.
Kiewit has ranked as the #1 Mass Transit and Rail Contractor since 2022, according to ENR's National Contractor Sourcebook Rankings
About the Project
The Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Progressive Design-Build Project will transform how people move around Austin with all-electric trains running reliably every 5-10 minutes most of the day and connecting people to major job centers, education hubs and iconic destinations. Designed to expand as the city grows, the 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. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.
A Collaborative Partnership
Through collaboration with Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), city officials and stakeholders, Kiewit is committed to ensuring Austin Light Rail meets current needs while creating a lasting investment in the city’s future.
Our approach to large-scale transit projects combines an integrated engineering and construction approach with self-perform construction expertise to identify and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle, driving cost and schedule advantages. Backed by a deep bench of experts including an organization of 1,400+ integrated, in-house infrastructure engineers, and Mass. Electric Construction Co. (MEC), an industry leader in transit systems integration, our team is equipped to manage every phase of the project with precision.
Light Rail Success Stories
“It is unusual for a large infrastructure project to come in on time and on budget, but KPJV was partners with the construction authority from the start and found ways to innovate and keep the project moving through the COVID-19 pandemic, historic heatwaves and historic rains.”
– Habib Balian, CEO, Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority
Foothill Gold Line
The Foothill Gold Line extension enhances transit accessibility, providing a vital connection for residents and commuters in Los Angeles County. Kiewit, as part of the Kiewit-Parsons Joint Venture (KPJV), successfully expanded the A Line from Glendora to Pomona, adding 9.1 miles of new double-track light rail, four stations, 19 bridges and 21 at-grade crossings. KPJV crews logged more than 2.6 million work hours while maintaining a strong safety record.
Kiewit subsidiary Mass. Electric Construction Co. installed the complete systems package, including 356 overhead contact system poles/foundations, traction power, communications and train control.
DART Orange Line Expansion
The $585 million DART Orange Line Expansion project involved the design and construction of 14.5 miles of light rail double-track guideway, five complete stations and three deferred stations.
South Central Light Rail Extension
The South Central Light Rail project in downtown Phoenix, a dense urban environment similar to Austin Light Rail, required strategic phasing to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure while maintaining operations. To consider the construction impacts associated with identified special events, Kiewit collaborated with Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix through phasing workshops to align construction with major events like the 2023 Super Bowl, minimizing disruptions. The team optimized scheduling with night shifts, accelerated shutdowns and marathon weekends to expedite work. Mass. Electric developed a staged tie-in plan incorporating eight new turnouts to enhance system flexibility and headways while minimizing service impacts.
Northwest Extension Phase II Light Rail Extension
Through early collaboration with Valley Metro and partners, the Kiewit-McCarthy joint venture brought unique innovations to the table — including $60 million in savings and 141 value engineering concepts — to deliver this 1.6-mile extension of Valley Metro’s light rail system in Phoenix ahead of schedule and under budget.
WMATA Station Platform Rehabilitation Program
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Station Platform Rehabilitation Contract 4 involved critical improvements at five station platforms and six bridges/aerial structures along 11 miles of WMATA’s Orange Line in Maryland and Washington, DC. Kiewit’s scope of work at each station included demolition, rehabilitation, construction, testing/commissioning and architectural work.
BART Warm Springs Extension
The BART Warm Springs Extension Design-build project consisted of furnishing all management, coordination, professional services, labor, equipment, materials and other services to perform the design and construction of the line, track, station and systems required to extend the BART System further into southern Alameda County from the existing Fremont BART Station to the new Warm Springs Station.
The Warm Springs Extension added 5.4-miles of new tracks from the existing Fremont Station south to a new station in the Warm Springs district of the City of Fremont.
Denver Union Station Transit Improvements
The Denver Union Station Transit Improvements project transformed 42 acres of blighted former railyards into the centerpiece of a vibrant, bustling downtown Denver, anchoring and facilitating connections between the region’s transit systems.
Workforce Development: Building Austin's Future
Thoughtful, well-executed DBE engagement and workforce development are critical to the success of large urban transportation projects. The “for Austin by Austin” focus associated with ATP’s LRT project is not only the right approach to take – it’s achievable. We’re excited to bring a proven workforce program to Austin LRT, fostering long-term local talent growth.
Kiewit’s workforce development extends beyond project completion. Our training programs and apprenticeships aim beyond the Austin Light Rail to build careers that serve the community for decades, creating lasting economic opportunities and strengthening Austin’s position as a transportation leader.