A team led by Aecom has won a four-year contract to deliver the 16km first stage of a light rail system for Texas capital Austin.

Aecom will work alongside consultants Parsons, STV, Turner & Townsend, Ardmore Roderick and CAS Consulting as LINC Austin. The consortium will provide programme and project management, construction management and technical expert services throughout the design, construction and commissioning process.

The $7bn rail line will have 15 stations that will integrate with existing public transport services to reduce congestion in the city.

Lara Poloni, Aecom’s president, said: “Cities across the US continue to make unprecedented investments in rail infrastructure, and Austin is no exception.

“This critical project will transform how Austinites navigate their city, with the promise of stimulating economic growth, protecting the environment and promoting a sustainable future.”

Drew Jeter, Aecom’s chief executive of programme management, said: “As Austin continues to grow into one of the most vibrant and dynamic metro areas in the US, Austin Light Rail holds immense promise for the city and its residents in transforming local transit connectivity.

“Our outcome-driven programme management approach will leverage our expertise in large-scale transit programmes.”

Construction is due to begin in 2027, with the first phase of the rail line operational in 2033.