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Austin Light-Rail Wins Federal Environmental Clearance to Begin Preconstruction

The federal sign-off lets Austin's transit agency start detailed design, utility relocations, property acquisition ahead of grant decisions.

Overview

  • The approved starter line spans about 9.8 miles from 38th Street to Oltorf with a branch toward State Highway 71 near the airport.
  • ATP plans to select major contractors in the coming months, keeping a target to start construction activities in 2027.
  • Federal funding is not yet secured, with ATP seeking roughly up to half of the $7–8 billion cost and grant decisions expected later in the process.
  • The finalized review locks in design changes, including an added downtown station, a new bridge over Lady Bird Lake, and the removal of a proposed north-end parking garage.
  • Legal hurdles persist, including a Feb. 10 Texas Supreme Court hearing on ATP’s bond authority and lawsuits from local taxpayers over scope and costs.