Elon Musk’s the Boring Company could be closer to building an underground transit loop for free in either Tennessee or Texas. For Tennessee, the transportation system will be located in East Tennessee with two proposals submitted into a recently announced contest under consideration. In January, the Boring Company announced what they highlighted as the “Tunnel Vision Challenge.”

Moreover, they invited people to submit proposals for a one-mile tunnel that could be used for pedestrians. It could also be used for freight, utilities, or a “loop” project similar to the one under construction in Nashville.

After assessing nearly 500 entries, the company announced 16 finalists earlier this week. Among the selected proposals were two from East Tennessee. These include the “Vol loop” in Knoxville and also the “Mountain Mile Loop” in Gatlinburg. Both are loop contests meaning they would feature a transit system using Tesla vehicles.

Scope on the Free Underground Transit Loop

The free underground transit loop by the Boring Company does not yet have a conspicuous scope as the project is still in preliminary stages. For instance, details about who made the proposals have not been released. Moreover, where a tunnel would be built in either states is also unknown. However, according to the contest rules shared on the company’s website, the winning proposal will be constructed free of charge.

The rules also state that “The Boring Company reserves the right to cancel or modify the challenge without notice.” The “Hendersonville Tunnel,” a proposed utility project in Middle Tennessee, was also among the finalists. Only Texas had more submissions included among the finalists than Tennessee with five.

For Texas, the Boring Company approved “The Current” a proposal made by the Woodlands Township. It proposes a 1-mile Loop system to ease congestion near The Waterway. The plan also involves twin 12-foot diameter tunnels, mirroring the Las Vegas loop design.

Project Factsheet

• Project Name: Tunnel Vision Challenge – Underground Loop Initiative.
• Developer: The Boring Company.

Overview

• The Boring Company might build a one-mile underground transit tunnel at no cost in Tennessee or Texas.

Proposal Requirements

Support:

• Pedestrian movement
• Freight
• Utilities
• A transit system called Loop, which is vehicle-based.
• Almost 500 entries were received and 16 finalists were chosen.

Tennessee Proposals

Region: East Tennessee

Finalists include:

• “Vol Loop” – Knoxville
• Mountain Mile Loop – Gatlinburg.

Key Points

• Precise tunnel sites are still undisclosed.
• Authors of proposals have not been publicly identified.
• Project is still at an early assessment phase.
• Winning proposal would also be constructed free of charge.
• However, the company has the right to change or cancel the challenge.

Texas Proposal

• Approved Finalist: The Current.
• Proponent: The Woodlands Township.
• Location: Texas

Scope Details

• 1-mile Loop system
• Planned to alleviate congestion around The Waterway.
• Twin 12-foot diameter tunnels
• The Las Vegas Convention Center Loop would also be reflected in the design.

Technology

• Loop system would utilize vehicles produced by Tesla.

Project Status

• 16 finalists.
• The state of Texas has the most finalists (five).
• Also no construction award declared yet.
• Winning submission announced March 23.