The Boring Company is pushing ahead with its Music City Loop project, beginning new geotechnical studies of Nashville’s bedrock and purchasing a plot of land near Nashville International Airport. The dual moves signal that The Boring Company is moving from early planning into tangible steps toward building the proposed 9.5-mile underground system connecting downtown Nashville to the airport.
Early Construction Prep and Land Purchase
The Boring Company purchased a 0.84-acre property near the airport for nearly $938,000 on September 23, according to county records seen by The Tennessean. While the exact use of the land has not been disclosed, its location less than half a mile from airport property suggests it may play a role in construction staging or passenger access.
At the same time, project lead Jim Fitzgerald confirmed during a meeting with city leaders this week that site surveys are underway to determine how deep the tunnels must go to ensure safety and stability. Unlike Las Vegas, where Boring Co. tunnels run about 40 feet below ground, Nashville’s limestone and erosion-prone geology may require a deeper dig.
Addressing Nashville’s Unique Challenges
Middle Tennessee’s complex subsurface conditions—particularly its soluble limestone formations—have historically discouraged underground transit projects. However, Fitzgerald expressed confidence that the company’s proprietary technology can handle the challenge.
“The deeper you go, the more consistent the rock becomes,” he explained, emphasizing that extensive geological studies are being conducted to make sure the tunnel system is built safely and predictably. (via WKRN)
Flooding has been another concern raised by local officials. Company representatives assured city leaders that the tunnels will be watertight, featuring gasket-sealed joints, grout reinforcement, and sump pumps to handle unexpected water intrusion.
Costs, Capacity, and Safety
One of the project’s most appealing aspects is its price point. Because of its highly automated tunneling process, The Boring Company estimates construction costs of $12–$15 million per mile, per lane. That would put the total cost of the Music City Loop between $226 million and $285 million. Unlike traditional infrastructure projects, the company has pledged to fund the entire build itself, removing the need for taxpayer dollars.
The system will feature two one-way tunnels, where passengers will ride in Tesla vehicles operating within the loop. Officials have stated that the company will assume responsibility for any operational injuries, though they maintain such risks are minimal due to advanced safety systems.
