NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Dozens from the business community came together on Monday afternoon to learn more about plans for the Music City Loop from The Boring Company’s head of business development.

Jim Fitzgerald asked that his presentation not be filmed but shared more on the machines that will be used to carve out and build the tunnels. The machines are fully remote and don't require any humans as they make 9.5-foot drive paths.

“I like the creativity; I like the guy's energy, and we've got to find solutions to alleviate this traffic congestion,” Tennessee State Rep. Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) said.

He said the project costs roughly $15 million per mile per lane. The machine will lay 10 miles of tunnel in both directions from the Nashville International Airport to downtown Nashville.

Sparks hopes to one day see the tunnels expanded to Rutherford County and recently wrote a letter to Elon Musk with his request.

“You know, choice lanes, I don't think that's going to solve all the problems," Sparks said. "We've got to start thinking creatively and use a myriad of solutions, and I think even something like this can alleviate... look at the people that were trapped at Nashville airport, started walking down the road to get to the airport. I mean, I don't think that's ever happened, but it recently happened, so we're in some serious problems when it comes to traffic and congestion."

Not everyone has welcomed the tunnels, citing a lack of notice before the announcement and concerns over a lack of community involvement. Yet Sparks continues to applaud the idea.

“Right there on I-24 between Smyrna and La Vergne, it's really unsustainable," Sparks said. "So thinking outside the box, I think it's awesome, and I think it's great for the next generation."

Fitzgerald said the tunnels will be waterproof and will also have sump pumps in case of any flooding.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/new-details-unveiled-in-building-the-music-city-loop/