From Capitol to Concourse: What We've Learned About the Music City Loop

By the LOOP Nashville Editorial Staff

Source: https://boringcompany.com/music-city-loop

Project Timeline & Progress

• Design Phase & Site Prep: TBC is currently in the design stage. Site preparation for the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) launch is underway near the State Capitol and projected to continue through Q3 2025, with tunneling set to begin in Q4 2025 pending permits.

• Operational Milestones: The first segment—spanning nearly 10 miles—aims to be operational in Q1 2027, with additional segments activating later that year.

• Current Activity: Excavation has already begun at an access point in a state-owned parking lot near the Capitol, following a no-cost lease approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Highlights)

From TBC’s official site:

What is the Music City Loop?

A high-speed, all-electric underground system that transports riders in Tesla Model Y and Model X vehicles on direct trips—no stops until the destination—between downtown, the Convention Center, and BNA. Trips take approximately 8–9 minutes. It will meet the NFPA‑130 fire and life safety standard.

Funding & Cost

• Fully private funding—no taxpayer dollars involved.

• Fare pricing hasn’t been released, though it's expected to be competitive with, and possibly less than, existing options (as observed in Vegas).

Safety Standards & Emergency Protocols

• Designed to meet or surpass NFPA‑130 standards.

• Features include real-time gas/smoke sensors, wet standpipe suppression, ventilation, 24/7 control center, full camera surveillance, and well-trained “Loop drivers."

• Flood mitigation includes watertight tunnel construction, elevated station design, drainage systems, and sump pumps.

Engineering, Tunneling & Geotechnical Approach

• Twin tunnels approximately 30 feet underground—deeper than typical utilities.

• Hard limestone in Nashville is handled effectively by TBMs based on geotechnical surveying and monitoring.

Station Planning

• Potential stops at major hubs like the Music City Center; TBC is engaging the community to finalize locations and station sizes range from ~4,000 to ~20,000 square feet depending on expected capacity.

Vehicle Operations

• Initially human-driven Teslas, with potential future consideration for autonomous vehicles.

• Vehicles offer private trips, but higher-capacity options may be used during peak demand (e.g., game days).

How to Ride

• Purchase tickets online or via app, or scan QR codes at stations for quick entry.

• Vehicles can reach speeds up to 70 mph in the tunnel.

Community Engagement & Transparency

• TBC has launched a dedicated email (nashville@boringcompany.com) to collect questions and evolving FAQ content.

• Bi-monthly blog updates (starting October 1, 2025) and local public meetings are planned.

Permitting & Route Selection

• TBC is performing borings, utility coordination, and station agreements with property owners—all subject to regulatory review.

Community Concerns & Local Response

• Mayor’s Office Engagement: Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office submitted over 60 questions relating to permitting, safety, emergency access, inspection regimes, flood risk, and coordination with other city transit plans.

• Lack of Prior Studies: Records reveal that before announcing the project, the Governor’s office conducted no environmental, community, or impact assessments—a move that has drawn criticism for lack of transparency.

• Official Accountability: Gov. Bill Lee affirmed that safety and security remain top priorities, emphasizing that the state will hold TBC accountable for performance and public welfare.

What This Means for Nashville

The Music City Loop represents bold innovation—promising fast, green, and efficient transit that could dramatically reduce congestion and elevate Nashville’s infrastructure. The entirely private funding structure makes it particularly compelling.

However, public confidence hinges on transparency, safety verification, and meaningful local input. Citizens and officials remain watchful for robust environmental evaluations, thorough permitting, and emergency readiness.

Stay in the Loop!

Visit the Music City Loop site for the full FAQ and updates. Watch for public forums, blog posts on The Boring Company's website beginning October 1, and feel empowered to submit your questions to nashville@boringcompany.com.