CARTS to break ground on Elgin station
After five years of planning, development, and numerous grant applications, the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) is set to break ground on the Elgin Station. A planning grant originally approved by the TxDOT Public Transportation Division in July 2015 enabled CARTS and the City of Elgin to complete planning for the station, including securing environmental clearances and completing the design and engineering necessary to prepare the project for construction. Subsequently, the Texas Transportation Commission, at its June 28, 2018 meeting, awarded a number of grants authorized by its Public Transportation Division, including the initial funding for the Elgin Station project.
The Downtown Elgin Transit Station was developed through a partnership of CARTS and the City of Elgin. The CARTS grant will finance the construction of the station, with the City providing land, supporting infrastructure, and some on-going maintenance.
“This is an exciting new construction project for the downtown district that will showcase locally-made Elgin Butler Brick glazed tile on the exterior while providing essential services to the community,” said Mayor Chris Cannon.
The Station is to be built on a 10-acre, city-owned property in Elgin’s downtown that will be part of a master-planned public park and activity center known as Central Park. The site, acquired from the Union Pacific Railroad, abuts the CapMetro rail line slated for the future Green Line extension of its rail network. The CARTS Station will provide bus connections from its district to this future rail service.
“This project represents a landmark achievement in our growing relationship with CARTS,” said City Manager Tom Mattis. “It will not only enhance continuing investment in Downtown Elgin but will provide a significant upgrade in transportation opportunities for our residents and visitors.”
Current transit services that will originate at the Elgin Station include CARTS’ Interurban bus routes that provide regional connections throughout its district and the CapMetro 990 route that provides weekday commuter connections to downtown Austin. The station will also provide full-service Greyhound services, including freight and passenger ticketing.
G. Hyatt Construction will serve as the general contractor for the station construction. Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects in collaboration with the McCann Adams Studio designed the facility, and Jackson & McElhaney Architects will be administering the work.
Construction is anticipated to take 10 to 12 months from the date of the groundbreaking.
The CARTS District provides regional transportation for the non-urbanized areas of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Travis and Williamson counties.
Visit RideCARTS.com to learn more about CARTS and its services.