The Boring Company has released a new update on its Music City Loop, the underground transit system designed to link Nashville International Airport (BNA) with with the city’s downtown.
The company also responded to nearly 80 questions raised by Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office, many of which centered on safety, costs, and long-term oversight.
In its latest filings and public updates, The Boring Company says that the Music City Loop will adhere to strict safety standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 130). The tunnels are expected to feature advanced ventilation systems to quickly disperse smoke or hazardous gases in the event of a fire, as well as pumps and elevated stations to keep rainwater and flood risks under control.
Emergency preparedness is another focal point. The company said the tunnels will support 911 calls, integrate with emergency radio systems, and be monitored 24/7 through redundant communication networks. Coordination with the Nashville Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office is already underway, including regular safety drills.
According to Boring Company, more than 70 emergency protocols—ranging from fire response to evacuation procedures—have been established, reports Fox17.
Originally expected to open in 2026, the first phase of the Music City Loop has now been delayed until early 2027. Tunneling work is projected to begin in late 2025 once final designs and permits are complete. The twin tunnels will span nearly 10 miles and are estimated to cost “a few hundred million dollars.”
The company reiterated that the entire project—including construction, maintenance, and utility relocation—will be privately funded, with no taxpayer contributions.
With site preparation already underway at the Rosa Parks Boulevard launch site, The Boring Company expects its tunnel-boring machines to begin excavation before the end of 2025.
Quick update from Music City Loop!
— The Boring Company (@boringcompany) August 26, 2025
The majority of current work is on planning – permits, land agreements, station designs, contracts, final plan/profile alignment, detailed geological studies, and community engagement.
We've also expanded the exploratory excavation (see… pic.twitter.com/GN8JoRHLQv
