Construction
Long-term integrity
Construction Operations
Flint Hills Resources has commissioned experienced contractors to help build the BATX pipeline, holding them to the highest standards of safety and reliability. Construction began in March 2026 and continues to progress along the approximately 20-mile route.
Before breaking ground, Flint Hills Resources held a half-day project kickoff with all contractors to align on safety protocols, construction standards, environmental compliance, right-of-way management, project controls and daily requirements. The session established clear roles and accountability across each construction spread and reinforced expectations for clean, well-maintained work sites. Contractors also received guidance and English and Spanish contact cards to help direct questions from members of the public to the BATX Pipeline team.
Throughout construction, Flint Hills Resources maintains close coordination with regulators, local officials, and the community, alongside its contractors, to deliver a successful outcome. This includes prioritizing worker safety and public safety, minimizing impacts, and ultimately delivering a pipeline that will serve the Austin airport for decades to come.
From material selection to final testing, the safety of our employees, environmental stewardship, and long-term operational integrity remain our top priorities.
Construction activities are carefully planned and executed in accordance with local, state and federal permits and best industry practices. The pipeline will only be placed into service after successful completion of required inspections and pre-operation testing.
Construction Series
Public Communication
Flint Hills Resources provides regular updates on the construction process and keeps the public informed of any important developments.
Educational materials and videos featuring key aspects of the BATX Pipeline – including safety, design integrity, environmental responsibility, and operations reliability – are being shared throughout construction and will continue through commissioning.
Construction Series
Public Communication
Flint Hills Resources will provide regular updates on the construction process and keep the public informed of any important developments.
Educational materials and videos featuring key aspects of the BATX Pipeline – including safety, design integrity, environmental responsibility, and operations reliability – will be shared throughout construction and leading up to commissioning.
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Construction Methods
Modern pipelines are constructed using certified steel pipe, welded end-to-end and x-rayed at every joint before installation. Pipe wall thickness exceeds what federal pressure calculations require, an additional margin of safety built into the design from the start. Construction follows industry best practices for materials and engineering standards.
The 20.32-mile BATX pipeline follows Highway 71, with approximately 81% of the route located within existing TxDOT right-of-way, 12% on AUS property and 7% within private easements, minimizing disruption to private property.
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless construction method used to install pipelines beneath roadways, waterways and other surface impediments. This technique allows the pipeline to be placed deep underground without disturbing surface features or natural resources.
Construction Oversight
Flint Hills Resources utilizes experienced internal teams alongside qualified third-party inspectors to oversee construction activities. This layered approach seeks to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards throughout the construction process.
frequently asked questions
Construction FAQs
The steel used for the BATX Pipeline was sourced from the Big Rover Steel Mill in Osceola, Arkansas. The pipe was rolled at the Tex-Tube Pipe Mill in Atchison, Kansas.
No road closures or traffic disruptions are expected during construction. Flint Hills Resources follows an approved TxDOT Traffic Control Plan, which includes signage, barriers, vehicles, and flaggers as needed to maintain safe traffic flow.
The pipeline runs from the Flint Hills Resources Fuel Terminal in Bastrop to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), generally following the Highway 71 corridor. The 20.32-mile route is approximately 81% TxDOT right-of-way, 12% AUS property and 7% private easement.
While a portion of the pipeline is located on airport property, construction is not expected to interfere with air travel at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Construction began in March 2026 and will continue through the remainder of 2026. Following construction, the pipeline will undergo required testing and commissioning, with the BATX Pipeline expected to be ready for service in 2027 in coordination with the separate AUS Fuel connection project.
Community members may contact the BATX Pipeline team directly:
Phone: (512) 256-0482
Email: info@batxpipeline.com
Flint Hills Resources uses construction best practices with respect to protecting and restoring any disturbed land. Required environmental, cultural, and historical surveys were conducted prior to construction, and environmental protections, including silt fencing and erosion controls, are maintained throughout active construction areas as appropriate. Crews are trained to comply with all federal, state, and local environmental requirements, and construction activities are continuously monitored to ensure protections remain in place until the area is safely restored.
Construction activities will generally take place during daytime hours, minimizing impacts to nearby residential areas. On occasion, crews may need to work into the evening hours.
Yes. Flint Hills Resources regularly shares construction updates, educational materials and videos on the BATX Pipeline website throughout construction.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, pipelines are the safest and most commonly used method for transporting energy resources. Most pipelines operate underground, protecting them from damage and reducing impacts to surrounding communities. The BATX Pipeline is being constructed in accordance with applicable federal safety requirements and industry standards and will undergo required inspections and testing before being placed into service. Once operational, the pipeline will be monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week as part of Flint Hills Resources’ Pipeline Integrity Management Program.
contact us
Have Questions?
Protecting people, the environment, and property are Flint Hills Resources’ top priorities, especially in emergencies.
- Single 10-inch Pipeline
- Monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Originating in Bastrop, TX
