The Woodlands Township in Texas has recently thrown its hat into the ring for The Boring Company’s tunneling challenge. The township’s board has officially approved an application to participate in The Boring Company’s “Tunnel Vision Challenge,” which offers the opportunity for up to one mile of tunnel construction at no cost to the selected community.
The Woodlands’ proposed project, named “The Current,” envisions two parallel 12-foot-diameter tunnels running beneath the Town Center corridor near The Waterway. These tunnels would serve as a transportation system for Teslas to shuttle passengers between Waterway Square, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Town Green Park, and nearby hotels during concerts and large-scale events. Township officials view this tunnel as a solution to the ongoing traffic congestion issues in the area, particularly during events at the Pavilion, which can attract large crowds and strain local roadways.
Chris Nunes, the Chief Operating Officer of The Woodlands Township, highlighted the need for addressing traffic impacts and pedestrian movement challenges, especially in the Town Center area. The proposed tunnel system, inspired by the Loop system in Las Vegas, would operate similarly by transporting passengers through underground tunnels in Tesla vehicles.
The Boring Company issued a request for proposals (RFP) in mid-January, inviting cities and districts to pitch local uses for its tunneling technology. The Woodlands must submit its application by February 23rd, with no specific timeline provided for when the winning community will be announced.
Nunes confirmed that the board has authorized the submission of “The Current” proposal, emphasizing that the project is still in its early stages. He stated, “The Woodlands Township Board of Directors has authorized staff to submit an application to The Boring Company, which has issued an RFP for communities interested in leveraging their technology to address community challenges. The Board believes that an underground tunnel would provide a safe and efficient means to transport people to and from various high-use community amenities in our Town Center.”
As the township moves forward with its application, the potential for a tunnel system beneath The Woodlands could revolutionize transportation in the area, offering a unique solution to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between key locations. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development in The Woodlands’ transportation infrastructure.