RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN – Sometimes, the craziest of ideas end up being workable solutions to big problems. That’s one reason State Representative Mike Sparks of Smyrna decided to write a letter to Tesla founder Elon Musk. The idea of the letter comes several months after the State of Tennessee confirmed approval of an underground transit system between the Nashville Airport and downtown Nashville.
Earlier this year in July, Governor Bill Lee announced that The Boring Company, founded by Elon Musk, will build the Music City Loop, a privately funded underground tunnel in Nashville at no cost to taxpayers. The project’s first 10-mile phase will connect downtown and the Convention Center to the Nashville International Airport (BNA). Travel time between downtown Nashville and the airport will be about eight minutes. Representative Sparks told WGNS...
Supporters of the Music City Loop between BNA and downtown Nashville say they love the idea of a transit system between the airport and downtown, pointing to how it will reduce traffic, cut pollutants from vehicles on the roadways, and decrease the number of auto accidents.
While discussing traffic woes, Sparks noted that he dreads the morning drive to Nashville when legislators are in session. The long-time Smyrna resident said that traffic jams on I-24, the route he takes to reach the state capitol, can turn what should be a 30 to 35 minute commute, into a four-hour ordeal...
Governor Lee said the first segment of the tunnel in Nashville, between BNA and downtown, is projected to open by fall 2026. Senator Marsha Blackburn stated, “The Boring Company could not have picked a better new home for this state-of-the-art tunneling technology than Nashville, and I look forward to seeing the tremendous impact this investment will have on our city and its residents.”
Underground Transit Running in Nevada - In Las Vegas, an underground transit system built by Musk and operated by The Boring Company is already running beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center, where Tesla vehicles transport passengers through tunnels to avoid surface traffic. Currently, the system uses human-driven cars at moderate speeds rather than the originally planned high-speed, driverless design.
A major expansion is already underway in Nevada: The full Vegas Loop will eventually cover 68 miles of tunnels with 93 stations, linking the Convention Center to hotels, the airport, and Allegiant Stadium. At that point there could be changes made on the vehicles, with the possibility of driverless transportation in the tunnel, but nothing concrete has been released.
The idea of a tunnel transit systemalong I-24 between Murfreesboro and downtown Nashville could potentially cut traffic in half, leading to fewer auto accidents, pollution and more. Rep. Sparks said in his letter to Musk, "According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were 15 fatal and serious injury crashes on these interstates in 2023, 16 in 2024, and already 11 so far in 2025." Sparks emphasized the underground transit, if built, would need to have stops along the route to include Smyrna, LaVergne and at different locations in Davidson County.
Scroll down for more information on the unerground loop being built in Nashville between the airport and downtown. Photos of the tunnel transit system being used now in LasVegas, along with a video of how the system works, can be found below. All of the released photos and video are from The Boring Company - below.
WGNS will continue to update listeners and readers about the idea of an underground transit system between Murfreesboro and Nashville as soon as Rep. Sparks receives feedback from Musk, which Sparks hopes will be positive. Scroll down for more photos of the system already in use in LasVegas and a video released by The Boring Company.
PREVIOUS RELEASE: NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On July 28, 2025, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced The Boring Company’s intent to build the Music City Loop, a transformative private transportation project that will bring the company’s innovative underground Loop system to Nashville at zero cost to taxpayers, marking a bold step forward in advancing mobility, economic growth, and infrastructure modernization across the region.
“Tennessee continues to lead the nation in finding innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges,” said Gov. Lee. “By leveraging the innovation of private sector companies like The Boring Company, we’re exploring possibilities we couldn’t achieve on our own as a state. This partnership represents the kind of forward-thinking, fiscally responsible approach that will define the future of transportation in Tennessee.”
“The Boring Company is excited to bring our world class tunneling and transportation capabilities to Tennessee,” said Steve Davis, President of The Boring Company. “We are appreciative and grateful for the continued support and collaboration from the State of Tennessee, and local Nashville community and business leaders.”
The announcement officially launches a public process to evaluate potential routes, engage community stakeholders, and finalize plans for the project’s initial 10-mile phase. The Music City Loop, which will be 100% privately funded, will connect downtown and the Convention Center to Nashville International Airport with a transit time of approximately 8 minutes, utilizing underground tunnels beneath state-owned roadways.
The Boring Company intends to begin construction immediately following the approvals process, with the first segment of the Loop system expected to be operational as early as fall of 2026. Scroll down for more photos and a video.
Music City on the Move - Nashville was selected by The Boring Company for its rapid growth, strong economic potential, and dedication to embracing smart, forward-looking infrastructure. The Music City Loop will remove thousands of vehicles from surface roads each day, easing traffic congestion while creating numerous job opportunities for Tennesseans. The Loop system will also extend the lifespan of Tennessee’s roads, reduce emissions, and offer a safe, fast, and reliable travel option—particularly during major events and Nashville’s peak convention and seasonal travel.
Notably, the project will be entirely privately funded, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships to solve mobility challenges without placing new burdens on state and local taxpayers.
The Music City Loop project has already earned broad support from federal, state, and local public officials and industry leaders, including the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, the Nashville Music City Center, and the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association.
The Safest, Most-Efficient Travel System in America - Loop is an all-electric, zero-emissions, high-speed underground transit system owned and operated by The Boring Company in which passengers are transported directly to their destination. The system will meet or exceed the stringent National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-130) fire and life standard.
The Boring Company’s Vegas Loop recently earned a 99.57% safety and security rating from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – the highest score ever awarded to any transportation system. The Vegas Loop system was evaluated across 17 categories and achieved top scores in security, emergency preparedness, and resilience, earning TSA’s Gold Standard Award for excellence.
The Music City Loop Vision
- Modern Connectivity: Fast underground travel linking downtown Nashville and the Music City Center to the Airport, with zero-emission vehicles.
- Smarter Traffic Management: Removal of thousands of vehicles daily from roadways and state highways, easing congestion and complementing other transit options.
- Convention & Business Travel: A safe, cost-effective, and reliable new transportation option for millions of annual visitors. The Loop system is capable of moving thousands of people per hour with predictable transit times, especially during major events and peak convention and seasonal travel.
- Infrastructure Preservation: Reduced wear and tear on public roadways; lower long-term maintenance costs.
- American-Made Innovation: Tunnels and equipment built in the U.S. using The Boring Company’s proprietary technology.
- Privately Funded: No taxpayer dollars – fully funded by The Boring Company and its private partners.
- Disruption-Free Operation: Compact tunneling means no road closures, no major launch pits, and minimal vibration/noise during construction.
- Weatherproof: Tunnels are sealed, and entry/exit points have measures to prevent water intrusion in the event of flooding.
Broad Support from Federal, State & Local Leaders - “The Music City Loop is innovation at its finest,” said Sean Duffy, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary. “With the highest possible safety rating achievable, zero disruptions to traffic, and zero taxpayer dollars needed, we’re seeing the very best public private partnerships have to offer. Congratulations to Governor Lee, the City of Nashville, and The Boring Company on this historic achievement. I look forward to USDOT’s collaboration with TDOT to help usher in a golden age of transportation.”
"As Nashville International Airport continues to set passenger records and our city experiences an economic boom, the Boring Company's investment in the Music City Loop will help ease growing pains and address transportation challenges at zero cost to Tennessee taxpayers," said Senator Marsha Blackburn. "The Boring Company could not have picked a better new home for this state-of-the-art tunneling technology than Nashville, and I look forward to seeing the tremendous impact this investment will have on our city and its residents.”
"What terrific news both for The Boring Company and for the State of Tennessee," said Senator Bill Hagerty. "This was all made possible by the leadership of Gov. Lee and his team, as well as the leadership in Nashville and at the state and local level. This puts Tennessee at the forefront as we move into the next level of technology competition in the United States. This is a great example of what state and local cooperation can yield for our citizens."
“This pathway will mark a bold step forward in Tennessee’s transportation future,” said Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R – Oak Ridge). “Connecting downtown Nashville to the airport with cutting-edge underground transit will ease congestion, support tourism, and strengthen our infrastructure for decades to come. I am especially grateful that this partnership with The Boring Company comes with zero cost to taxpayers.”
“As Tennessee continues to grow, we must look to bold, innovative infrastructure solutions,” said House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R – Crossville). “The Boring Company’s tunnel proposal offers a forward-thinking way to reduce congestion, improve travel times, and support our booming economy. We are excited about the opportunity this represents for Tennesseans and for tourists visiting our great state.”
“As Middle Tennessee continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, it’s essential that we support forward-thinking solutions that keep our region moving,” said Doug Kreulen, President and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport. “This potential initiative is an important step toward easing roadway congestion and enhancing access to the airport. We’re proud to collaborate with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure Nashville International Airport® remains seamlessly connected to the growing needs of our community.”
“Today’s announcement is yet another example of how Tennessee is leading the way as the place to bring cutting-edge innovation and investment,” said Josh Brown, President and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Governor Lee is to be commended for his vision in positioning our state for these kinds of opportunities. As Tennessee deals with the challenges of growth and infrastructure, this commitment by The Boring Company is an example of the role the private sector can play in helping bring about meaningful solutions.”
“This project represents an innovative, forward-looking solution to one of our region’s most persistent mobility challenges,” said Stephanie Coleman, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Music City Loop has the potential to enhance connectivity, ease congestion, and advance new models for public-private infrastructure investment. Our region attracts entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors from around the world—we’re proud to be a place where bold, world-class ideas come to life.”
“The Music City Loop will be an innovative, first-of-its-kind mode of transportation, transforming the way visitors travel to downtown and the Music City Center,” said Charles Starks, President and CEO of Nashville Music City Center. “Establishing seamless access from the airport will create a significant advantage as we work to recruit additional conventions to Nashville, strengthening our position as a premier destination for large-scale events and driving continued economic growth.”
“While the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association is not involved in developing this project, we view its goals as aligned with the values we have long supported: easing congestion, improving connectivity, and investing in Nashville’s long-term strength on behalf of both our employees and our customers,” said Dee Patel, Chair of the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association. “Private innovation cannot replace public planning, but it can enhance and accelerate it, and we hope this momentum continues, bringing even more investment and creativity to the way we connect people, jobs, and economic opportunity across our region.”
