WMATA 7000-Series Rapid Transit Cars. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

The Parsons and LINC Austin team is selected as Delivery Partner for the Austin Light Rail project. Also, construction work on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Blue, Orange, and Silver lines wraps up ahead of schedule and under budget.

Parsons/LINC Austin

Parsons Corporation announced Dec. 30 that a team consisting of AECOM, Parsons, STVTurner & TownsendArdmore Roderick, and CAS Consulting (LINC Austin) was selected by the Austin Transit Partnership as Delivery Partner for the $7 billion Austin Light Rail project.

Under the initial four-year contract, LINC Austin will provide program and project management, construction management, and technical expert services during the planning, design, procurement, construction, and post-construction phases of the Austin Light Rail project.

As a major subconsultant to AECOM, Parsons will provide a comprehensive range of services, including systems integration support, interface management, construction management, quality management, and design management.

The Austin Light Rail project, the team says, aims to revolutionize public transportation in Austin, Texas by introducing the city’s first light rail system that enhances connectivity and accessibility across the community. The initial phase of the project includes the development of 9.8 miles of new light rail lines and 15 stations that will provide reliable and equitable transit options for residents and visitors. The light rail system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing transit services, offering high-frequency service to reduce travel times and traffic congestion.

“The Austin Light Rail Project presents a pivotal opportunity to meet the city’s increasing travel demand with a reliable, safe, and sustainable transit solution,” said Mark Fialkowski, President of North America Infrastructure for Parsons. “With 80 years of infrastructure experience and a proven track record as a global delivery partner, we look forward to partnering with ATP to deliver a transformative light rail system that will support the city’s mobility and economic growth, creating lasting benefits for generations to come.”

“We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with our partners and the community,” said Greg Canally, Executive Director of Austin Transit Partnership. “The Austin Light Rail project represents a significant step forward in enhancing our city’s transportation infrastructure, promoting sustainability, and improving the quality of life for all Austinites.”

WMATA

WMATA announced Dec. 29 that construction work on the Blue, Orange, and Silber lines in Downtown D.C. has wrapped up early and more than $450,000 under budget, following 10 days of critical track repairs and infrastructure upgrades. Normal service resumed on Monday, Dec. 30, at 5 a.m.

Since Dec. 20, service on parts of the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines between Foggy Bottom and Federal Triangle had been suspended. The work zone extended to Federal Center SW from Dec. 27-29. Free shuttle buses replaced trains during construction, providing service between the affected stations.

Last month’s major construction project improved tracks and signaling, resulting in a safer and more reliable ride for customers, WMATA noted. One dedicated closure prevented 10 weekends of track work in the same area.

Crews completed the following work:

  • Replaced nearly 2,400 feet of track.
  • Replaced grout pads, rail fasteners, and studs, which hold the tracks in place.
  • Conducted water mitigation work, which keeps the tunnels dry.
  • Replaced insulators, which protect the powered third rail.
  • Replaced signaling switch machines for more reliable service.
  • Upgraded platform edge lighting with more efficient LED lights.
  • Deep cleaned stations.

The construction, the agency says, was part of WMATA’s six-year, $12 billion Capital Improvement Program, investing in system safety, reliability, and the region’s economy. The capital program improves the customer experience and keeps the region’s infrastructure in a state of good repair, according to WMATA.

This is the third straight major construction project that was completed earlier than planned.

Be the first to receive updates about Parsons news, events, and innovations. Subscribe Today!

Back to top
facebook-pixel linkedin-pixel linkedin pixel focused image