The Woodlands Township in Texas has recently thrown its hat in the ring for The Boring Company’s tunneling challenge. The township’s board unanimously approved an application to The Boring Company’s “Tunnel Vision Challenge,” which offers the opportunity for up to one mile of tunnel construction at no cost to a selected community.
The Woodlands’ proposal, named “The Current,” envisions two parallel 12-foot-diameter tunnels running beneath the Town Center corridor near The Waterway. These tunnels would facilitate the movement of Teslas shuttling passengers between Waterway Square, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Town Green Park, and nearby hotels during concerts and large-scale events. This initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the area, particularly during events at the Pavilion, which can attract crowds of up to 16,500 people, causing strain on local roadways.
Chris Nunes, the chief operating officer of The Woodlands Township, highlighted the traffic and pedestrian challenges faced in the Town Center area during a recent meeting. The proposed tunnel system, similar to the Loop operating beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center, would provide a solution to these issues by offering an underground transportation network for residents and visitors.
The Boring Company issued a request for proposals in mid-January, inviting communities to pitch ideas for utilizing its tunneling technology. The Woodlands has until February 23 to submit its application for “The Current” proposal. While a timeline for the selection of a winning community has not been specified, Nunes confirmed that the board has authorized the submission of the proposal, emphasizing that the project is still in its early stages.
In a statement, Nunes expressed the board’s belief that an underground tunnel would offer a safe and efficient mode of transportation for individuals accessing various amenities in the Town Center. The Woodlands Township sees this project as an opportunity to address community challenges and enhance the overall transportation infrastructure within the area.
As The Woodlands Township progresses with its application to The Boring Company, the potential implementation of “The Current” tunnel system could revolutionize transportation in the region, providing a modern and innovative solution to ongoing traffic and pedestrian issues. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development!