Gov. Lee and The Boring Company Unveil Music City LOOP, a Transformative Transit Project for Nashville
Governor Bill Lee and The Boring Company have announced the Music City LOOP, a privately funded, high-speed underground transit system connecting downtown Nashville to the airport. The project promises faster travel, reduced congestion, and zero cost to taxpayers. Read more about this transformative initiative.”
By the LOOP Nashville Editorial Staff
5/8/20242 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and The Boring Company have officially announced plans to construct the Music City LOOP, an innovative underground transit system that will connect downtown Nashville to Nashville International Airport (BNA). The project represents a bold new approach to mobility and infrastructure in the region, operating entirely at no cost to taxpayers.
The Music City LOOP will feature high-speed, all-electric vehicles traveling through underground tunnels, providing a direct and efficient connection between key areas of the city. The initial 10-mile segment is expected to complete the downtown-to-airport route in roughly eight minutes, drastically reducing travel times compared to traditional surface transportation. The project is fully privately funded by The Boring Company and its partners, demonstrating the potential for public-private collaboration to solve transportation challenges without placing a financial burden on the public.
Governor Lee emphasized the importance of innovative partnerships in addressing infrastructure needs. “Tennessee continues to lead the nation in finding solutions to complex infrastructure challenges,” he said. “By leveraging private sector innovation, we can explore possibilities that may not be achievable by the state alone. This project is an example of forward-thinking, fiscally responsible planning that will shape the future of transportation in Tennessee.”
Steve Davis, President of The Boring Company, highlighted the company’s commitment to Nashville. “We are thrilled to bring our world-class tunneling and transportation expertise to Tennessee,” Davis said. “We greatly appreciate the support from state and local leaders and the Nashville community. The Music City LOOP will set a new standard for safe, reliable, and zero-emissions transportation.”
The announcement marks the start of a public process to evaluate potential routes, engage community stakeholders, and finalize plans for the initial phase. Nashville was selected for the project due to its rapid population growth, economic potential, and openness to innovative infrastructure solutions. The LOOP is expected to ease surface congestion, reduce vehicle emissions, and preserve the city’s roadways by shifting thousands of commuters and travelers to underground transit.
The system builds on the success of The Boring Company’s Vegas Loop, which received a 99.57% safety rating from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, the highest rating ever awarded to a transit system. The Music City LOOP will meet or exceed stringent safety standards, including the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA-130 fire and life safety requirements, ensuring a secure and reliable travel experience.
The project has earned widespread support from federal, state, and local officials, as well as business and tourism organizations. Leaders from the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, the Nashville Music City Center, the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association have all expressed optimism about the project’s potential to enhance connectivity and support economic growth.
Key benefits of the Music City LOOP include:
Modern Connectivity: Rapid, direct travel linking downtown Nashville and the airport.
Traffic Relief: Removal of thousands of vehicles from surface roads daily.
Economic Impact: Improved transportation for business, tourism, and conventions.
Infrastructure Preservation: Reduced wear and tear on public roadways.
Private Innovation: Fully funded by The Boring Company with no taxpayer dollars.
Safe, Efficient Operations: Designed for safety, reliability, and minimal disruption during construction.
Construction on the first phase is expected to begin soon after approvals, with service potentially available as early as fall 2026. As the project progresses, the Music City LOOP promises to reshape how residents and visitors travel through Nashville, offering a fast, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional surface transportation.
For more details, see the press release from the Office of the Governor of Tennessee.