McKalla Station Design-Build — Austin, TX
Client
- Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Project Value 
$21.3 million
Market
Transportation
Services
Design And Urban Planning
Since 1985, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CMTA), also known as CapMetro, has provided comprehensive mass transit services across a 500-square-mile area, including the City of Austin and its surrounding communities.
To continue to enhance mobility and connectivity in Austin, CapMetro procured the McKalla Station, the first design-build project for CapMetro and the first for the Project Connect Program, a comprehensive transit plan to expand and improve Austin’s transit system.
Located in North Austin, next to Q2 Stadium—home to Austin’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team—McKalla Station is a vital transit option for stadium visitors and the broader community. It offers expanded daily services for the MetroRail Red Line, which is CapMetro’s first commuter rail service. This station is one of ten stops along the 32-mile Red Line, which runs from Downtown Austin to Leander.
Additionally, McKalla Station facilitates access to various transportation modes, including walking, biking, other public transit options, and car travel, thereby enhancing mobility for the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
Designed For Success
CapMetro developed the preliminary design that represented their preferred design concepts, characteristics, and aesthetics to move forward. As lead designer, our team delivered the final design, permitting, phasing, and construction services for the new high-profile station, including:
- New Rail Platforms and Queuing Areas: Design and construction of modern rail platforms to accommodate increased passenger capacity.
- Platform Canopies and Amenities: Installation of platform canopies, bike racks, ticket machines, digital message signs, wayfinding signage, cameras, Wi-Fi, and emergency phones.
- Site Development: Development of areas outside the rail right-of-way, including pedestrian paths, ramps, handrails, guardrails, landscaping, area lighting, and station fencing.
- Access and Connectivity: Ensuring seamless access and connectivity to the Austin FC Stadium Plaza Area.
- Drainage and Water Quality Compliance: Surface area drainage and compliance with the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department (WPD) for water quality.
- ADA Compliance: Ensuring full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for station access.
- Gated Pedestrian Track Crossing: Installation of gated pedestrian track crossings, including crossing panels and gate elements.
- Utility Relocation: Relocation and upsizing of a 21-inch wastewater line to 42-inch and relocation of a 42-inch storm drain to clear the platform location.
Sustainability and Awards
The McKalla Station project achieved LEED Silver certification, reflecting our commitment to sustainable design and construction practices. Parsons’ sustainability team played a crucial role in documenting compliance with the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) requirements and contributing to the Envision award application.
The project was honored with the 2024 Best Projects Award of Merit and Excellence in Safety from Engineering News-Record (ENR) Texas & Louisiana region in the Airport/Transit category.
