Fort Worth, Texas, passenger rail line Trinity Metro’s board of directors recently authorized early-work contract amendments for a construction manager at risk, a consultant who will manage the project from design to completion while monitoring costs.
The nearly $33.1 million revised contract is for a 2.1-mile extension of the TEXRail line from downtown to the Medical District and now includes an updated contingency fee for potential cost increases.
The board approved a contract with Fort Worth Transit Partners in June 2023 and construction was scheduled to begin in 2024. It did not, and Trinity Metro has yet to determine when construction will move forward.
“I’m excited to be here today — finally,” Richey Thompson, Trinity Metro chief engineer, said to board members on Nov. 17. “Today’s item is basically the initial step for Trinity Metro to start the construction and completion of the TEXRail extension project. … We’re getting closer.”
The contract will be split into two phases. Phase one will entail long-range procurement items such as steel acquisition and special track work. Phase two will cover any remaining items.
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Trinity Metro a $25 million RAISE grant, but the agency still needs up to $20 million to begin construction.