Nashville’s Underground Transit Project Faces Friction Between City, State, and The Boring Company

A high-speed, zero-emission underground transit system proposed for Nashville, Tennessee, by The Boring Company (TBC) is moving forward despite, and in some cases bypassing, local government oversight. The project, dubbed Music City Loop, aims to connect downtown Nashville, the Music City Center, Lower Broadway, West End Avenue, and Nashville International Airport (BNA) with a roughly 13-mile tunnel network. The initiative has sparked controversy regarding transparency, environmental impact, and the extent of local control.

Project Overview: Music City Loop

The Music City Loop will utilize a fleet of Tesla vehicles – initially Model Ys and Model Xs – operated by trained drivers, referred to as Loop drivers, to transport passengers through the underground tunnels. The system is designed for direct point-to-point travel with no intermediate stops, promising a travel time of approximately 10 minutes between BNA and Lower Broadway. The Boring Company is fully funding and operating the project.

Bypassing City Approval

Construction of the tunnel began in October 2025 without the explicit approval of Nashville officials. State Republicans facilitated this by finding a way to circumvent the city’s input, raising concerns about environmental impact and a lack of transparency. As reported by NPR, the project is progressing under state and airport property, currently not requiring authorization from the Metro Council.

State and Federal Approvals

On February 24, 2026, The Boring Company received clearance for construction from both state and federal agencies, including the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. WPLN News reported that this approval came just days after a meeting between TBC representatives and the Metro Council, during which the company outlined its plans and remaining permit needs.

Legislative Response: The Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Authority

The Tennessee General Assembly is considering a bill to establish a new 11-member regulatory body, the “Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Authority.” This authority would be responsible for issuing permits and providing regulations for future subterranean transportation projects within the state.

Project Alignment

The Airport alignment of the Music City Loop begins near the State Capitol at Lot 16, travels south along Rosa L. Parks Boulevard to 8th Avenue South, continues southeast along Lafayette Street, follows Murfreesboro Pike to Donelson Pike, and ends within 100 feet of Nashville International Airport. The Broadway alignment extends southwest from Lower Broadway, continuing along West End Avenue past Centennial Park and Vanderbilt, and terminating near 440.

Recent Updates

As of February 26, 2026, several milestones have been reached, including the issuance of the construction permit. Key dates in the project’s development include:

• July 28, 2025: Music City Loop Announcement
• October 1, 2025: Music City Loop Blog Post
• November 24, 2025: X Space event with TBC and Nashville community leaders
• December 1, 2025: Music City Loop Blog Post
• December 15, 2025: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EIA Review Letter
• February 1, 2026: Music City Loop Blog Post
• February 23, 2026: Music City Loop Project Snapshot
• February 25, 2026: Construction Permit Issuance