A Look at Austin’s Proposed Subway Stations

An article by Nathan Bernier for KUT outlines plans for Austin’s upcoming subway system, which will include some underground stations. “The most ambitious of Austin's light-rail plans would burrow four miles of tunnel beneath downtown and South Austin to connect six subterranean stations and create the city's first subway system.” However, “Project Connect's growing price tag — the cost of the transit tunnel alone has doubled to more than $4 billion — could force transit planners to scale back their underground aspirations.”

As the article states, “Each station would have highly visible entryways, minimal blind spots and natural light where possible. Stations could have amenities like stores, public restrooms, bike pumps and USB charging stations,” as well as escalators and elevators.

“The Austin Transit Partnership is trying to figure out how to stay under budget while costs soar due to the longer tunnel and inflation for everything from building materials to real estate that would be seized through eminent domain.” The article details proposed plans for the system’s other 20 stations, which vary from a ‘sidewalk entrance’ to a two-level station near the state capitol building, a major employer.

“For now, ATP planners are still expecting construction on light-rail to start in late 2024 or early 2025 with service starting 2029 at the earliest.”