According to state records, The Boring Company has been hired by Western Nevada officials to complete a feasibility study and mock-up of a new tunnel near Tesla’s Reno Gigafactory.
The project is looking to create a transportation alternative to the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center to alleviate pressure on Interstate 80 from the growing industrial hub. Tesla and Panasonic both have large facilities in the hub, and local officials are concerned about the growing number of accidents in the area and the increased burden on residents from increased traffic.
Per Fortune, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) is examining several transportation options, including installing a commuter rail line and the Boring Company tunnel.
The Boring Company, for its part, has pitched a tunnel at the Reno Gigafactory since 2019 but has noted that it needs the Nevada Department of Transportation’s support to make it happen. However, it does not appear there will be state-level support for this project. Local officials have confirmed to Fortune that they are happy to support a private solution as long as it helps address the problem and improves safety in the area.
EDAWN has not confirmed the plans, nor has it confirmed where the Boring Company is with delivering the mock-ups or the feasibility study. So, no new loop yet, but we could see one coming in Western Nevada in the future.
