Music City Loop Construction Advances With First Public Progress Report

Source: The Boring Company

Nashville’s Transit Project Moves Forward

The Music City Loop has marked a new stage in development with the release of its inaugural bimonthly progress report on October 1. The Boring Company (TBC) is using these updates to share milestones and highlight the work required to bring the underground transit system to life. The first report covers early construction activities, coordination with state and local agencies, and broad-based community engagement.

The Loop is designed to move travelers quickly beneath Nashville’s busiest corridors, reducing congestion and connecting key destinations. The initial site at Lot 16, near the Tennessee State Capitol, has become the hub for early construction and system preparation.

Building the Launch Site at Lot 16

Lot 16 will serve as the launch point for two tunnel boring machines (TBMs). Work completed since the July 28 announcement includes:

• Exploratory Pit: An exploratory pit has been constructed to study local soil and rock conditions. This data will guide tunneling operations and equipment settings.

• Electrical Power: In partnership with Nashville Electric Service, Lot 16 now has grid-based electrical capacity to power both TBMs and support systems. This eliminates the need for diesel generators, reducing noise and improving efficiency.

• Site Infrastructure: The location has been outfitted with trailers, a Safety Center, an Operations Control Center, chilled water systems, compressed air, network service, and site security.

• Launch Pit Expansion: Structural shoring has been installed, and the launch pit footprint has been expanded to its final dimensions.

• Conveyor System: A key conveyor component, Vertical Cassette 4, has been installed to manage soil removal. Fully equipped, the conveyor system can support the excavation of more than 10 miles of tunnel.

The tunnel boring machines will be the final major components to arrive before excavation begins.

Engineering, Permitting, and Environmental Work

Progress on design and permitting is advancing in parallel with construction. TBC reports that the project requires 45 separate approvals for tunnel construction, excluding station development. Highlights include:

• Route Expansion Studies: Preliminary evaluations are underway to explore potential alignment options near Broadway and adjacent areas. These studies include outreach to business owners and technical exploration borings.

• Subsurface and Utility Investigations: Engineering teams have initiated geotechnical borings and utility coordination to prepare for tunnel alignment.

• Engineering Plans: Structural calculations and drawings have been developed and stamped by Tennessee-licensed engineers, incorporating early geotechnical findings.

• TDOT Coordination: Work is ongoing with the Tennessee Department of Transportation on tunnel permits, lease agreements, and technical design reviews.

• City Coordination: The City of Nashville remains a partner in the process, with coordination involving the Mayor’s Office and the Nashville Fire Department.

• Environmental Assessment: An environmental impact assessment is being led by a local consultant. Once finalized, it will be made publicly available.

Workforce and Community Engagement

The Music City Loop update also emphasizes the project’s connection to Nashville’s workforce and community life. Reported efforts include:

• Local Leadership: Dozens of community leaders and elected officials have been briefed on the project’s progress.

• Hiring and Internships: A hiring event was recently conducted to add full-time staff and interns. Partnerships with Vanderbilt, Tennessee State, Belmont, Trevecca Nazarene, Middle Tennessee State, Lipscomb, and the University of Tennessee are creating educational and career opportunities.

• Community Organizations: More than 70 organizations have engaged with the project through outreach and collaboration.

• Volunteering: Project staff have participated in over 30 volunteer events, including food service for veterans, donation drives, cultural programming, and career fairs.

• Public Inquiries: More than 50 messages have been submitted through the project’s dedicated email channel.

Next Steps

As Lot 16 continues to be developed, the next major milestone will be the arrival and installation of the tunnel boring machines. At the same time, engineering reviews, permitting processes, and environmental analysis will continue.

The Music City Loop’s progress report underscores the scope of the work already underway and signals the start of a sustained period of construction, permitting, and public engagement. With the first update published, future reports are scheduled every two months as Nashville’s underground transit project advances.