Elon Musk’s Boring Company has initiated construction on the Music City Loop, a privately funded, 10-mile underground tunnel project in Nashville, Tennessee, aimed at connecting downtown Nashville to the airport using zero-emission Tesla vehicles. Construction began on a state-owned parking lot near the Tennessee State Capitol following a no-cost lease approval, with crews excavating to prepare for tunnel-boring machines.

The project, still in the design phase, will feature twin tunnels approximately 30 feet underground, with potential stops including the Music City Center. While the company emphasizes advanced safety measures, including fire suppression and flood prevention systems, and claims minimal surface disruption, the project has sparked concerns over transparency and planning.

Nashville officials, who were not initially involved in discussions that began in March 2024, have raised over 70 questions about emergency access, environmental impacts, and financial projections. The Boring Company has addressed some concerns, noting its equipment can handle Nashville’s hard limestone and that the tunnels will be watertight with elevated stations and pumps to manage flooding risks.

Tunneling is expected to start in late 2025, with the first section potentially opening in 2027. The company plans to hold public meetings and has provided an email for community inquiries, though it has not yet directly responded to Metro Nashville’s concerns.