Tennessee Governor Announces Private Underground Transit Tunnel Connecting Nashville Airport, Downtown

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Elon Musk's The Boring Company have announced the Music City Loop, a privately funded underground transit system connecting downtown Nashville, the Convention Center, and Nashville International Airport. The 10-mile system aims to reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and provide an eight-minute transit ride, with construction anticipated to begin after regulatory approvals and partial operation expected by fall 2026. The project, which will be built beneath state-owned roads, has received support from state and federal officials, including U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and the U.S. Department of Transportation, but has faced criticism from some local Nashville Democratic lawmakers and city officials for bypassing local approvals and limited public disclosure regarding route and regulatory oversight. Proponents emphasize the innovation and economic growth potential, while concerns focus on privatization of public transit and safety, especially given The Boring Company's past safety violations in Nevada. The initiative highlights Tennessee's effort to leverage private sector innovation for infrastructure modernization without taxpayer burden, though local engagement remains a contentious issue.