This is the sixth official Music City Loop blog post! Prufrock-MB1 and Prufrock-MB2 are actively tunneling, and Prufrock-MB3 is on track to arrive in September. As tunneling operations continue to improve, the team is expanding to support higher production rates and additional machines. If you are interested in joining the team, check out the Careers page here.
What Has Happened Since the June 1 Blog Post?
Construction: Prufrock-MB2, the project’s second TBM, has launched! MB2 launched from Lot 16 after machine commissioning was complete. Similar to MB1 initially, the first several weeks focus on testing and machine upgrades. The second vertical cassette, which supports MB2 is online for continuous rock removal.
In parallel, Prufrock-MB1 has continued to make steady progress, with consistent week-over-week performance improvements while maintaining safe and efficient tunneling operations.
Prufrock-MB3 will arrive in Nashville in September. It will incorporate everything we've learned from the first two machines, making it significantly more efficient from day one.
Nashville has great rock! Throughout tunneling, core samples are collected regularly to measure the rock's compressive strength. Conditions have been excellent, with testing consistently showing compressive strengths of approximately 14,000 psi.
Permitting/Approvals: As noted in previous blog posts, all permits and approvals required ahead of tunneling have been obtained.
Stations and Alignment updates: TBC continues to work closely with property owners, with more than 40 stations in various stages of planning and design. TBC continues to partner with property owners to advance station development along the alignment. If you are interested in exploring a partnership, please contact nashville@boringcompany.com!
The fully executed TDOT Tunnel Permit and Lease Agreement, following over 7 months of technical review. This approval (received on February 25) authorized 25 miles of tunnel within the TDOT right-of-way and allowed TBC to begin tunneling operations within the permitted corridor. This is a significant accomplishment, and we are grateful to work alongside TDOT and FHWA throughout this process.
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, unanimously approved (8–0) a Music City Loop connection and station at Nashville International Airport. Station design and permitting are still underway.
The Music City Convention Center Authority in downtown Nashville also unanimously (8-0) approved the Music City Loop tunnel easement, and the teams are continuing to work together to finalize the station design.
TBC announced the first residential Music City Loop station agreement, serving those living in the Prime, Alcove, and Paramount towers in downtown Nashville.
TBC and the JW Marriott in downtown Nashville have agreed to terms for a Music City Loop station at the property, providing hotel guests with direct access to the system.
Site Tours: Over the past two months, we had the privilege of hosting numerous site tours for residents, business owners, students, community leaders, elected officials, and regulatory agencies. We were especially honored to welcome Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to the site. These visits provide a great opportunity to showcase the progress of Music City Loop, explain the technical aspects of tunneling operations, and share what's ahead for the project.
Check out Governor Bill Lee's site tour here and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy's site tour here.
Community Engagement: Music City Loop is grateful for the continued hospitality and engagement it has received from the Nashville community. Through ongoing conversations with residents, business owners, students, and community leaders, the team has shared information about the project while gaining valuable insight into the city's priorities.
Meeting with Community Leaders: Collaboration with government partners and business leaders remains a priority. We continue to host tours at our Nashville launch site and have now welcomed more than 50 groups. If you are interested in touring the site, please reach out to nashville@boringcompany.com, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Hiring and Workforce Development: TBC continues to recruit local talent and partner with Nashville-area universities to connect with students and recent graduates. As the project grows, new roles and opportunities are being created to build a strong local workforce. To view current openings, visit our careers page.
Community Organizations and Volunteering: To date, TBC has engaged with more than 250 community, educational, nonprofit, and professional organizations and participated in over 150 volunteer events across Middle Tennessee.
Public Inquiries: We have responded to more than 200 inquiries submitted to nashville@boringcompany.com. Keep the messages coming! Every question and comment helps us better understand community priorities and build a system that reflects Nashville's needs.