A third-party reviewer on Monday gave its stamp of approval to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) completed this week for Elon Musk’s Boring Company, adding a new layer of approval to its plans to connect Nashville’s airport and downtown area with the Music City Loop.
Following the completion of the EIA by the Davey Resource Group, which reportedly found that Music City Loop will “have only positive impacts on transportation and traffic,” the national engineering and environmental consulting firm UES confirmed the findings in a letter.
“The document appropriately identifies that most project impacts will result in either no impact or less than significant impacts across the evaluated resource areas,” wrote spokesman Leslie Moore for UES.
Moore additionally wrote that UES found, “the project will provide positive economic benefits to the Nashville region by offering an efficient, low-cost transportation alternative that enhances connectivity to key destinations including Nashville International Airport and the Broadway entertainment district.”
The company’s letter also underscored the Davey Resource Group’s analysis, suggesting “the project can be constructed and operated with minimal environmental impact.”
In a December 1 blog post, the Boring Company said it would be ready to begin using its Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) on the same day the environmental study was complete.
“From a technical standpoint, Prufrock-MB1 will be ready to launch on December 15,” the company announced. It also states its “spoil removal system” is being calibrated for work to begin.
The company began bringing its equipment to Tennessee last month, when it unveiled a TBM designed to bore through the hard, inconsistent rock under Nashville.
However, the results of the environmental study were notably published only days after a Metro Council member filed a resolution opposing the tunnel and calling for the company’s representatives to meet with the council.
It successfully affirmed, “that public land and public infrastructure decisions must prioritize the welfare, safety, and expressed needs of Nashville residents; and reiterating the Council’s commitment to real, equitable, community-driven transit solutions,” and that, “People of Nashville expect–and deserve– a transparent decision-making process for large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those involving public resources and long-term community impact.”
While multiple Nashville Democrats have officially stated their opposition to the Music City Loop, a memo published earlier this year seemed to reveal Mayor Freddie O’Connell was initially optimistic about supporting the project, but later requested “distance” after Musk endorsed President Donald Trump in 2024.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
