The Woodlands Township in Texas has recently made a significant move by participating in The Boring Company’s tunneling competition. 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 the selected community.
The proposal put forward by The Woodlands is named “The Current” and envisions two parallel 12-foot-diameter tunnels running beneath the Town Center corridor near The Waterway. The plan involves using Tesla vehicles to transport passengers between Waterway Square, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Town Green Park, and nearby hotels during concerts and large events.
The primary motivation behind The Woodlands’ proposal is to address the traffic congestion issues that the township faces, particularly during events at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. With over 60 shows each year and crowds of up to 16,500 people, the current road infrastructure around the Pavilion struggles to cope with the influx of visitors.
Chris Nunes, the chief operating officer of The Woodlands Township, highlighted the need for a solution during a meeting, stating, “We know we have traffic impacts and pedestrian movement challenges, especially in the Town Center area.”
“The Current” concept draws inspiration from the Loop system operating beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center, where Tesla vehicles navigate underground tunnels to transport passengers between venues and resorts.
The Boring Company issued the request for proposals in mid-January, inviting cities and districts to present their local uses for tunneling technology. The deadline for The Woodlands’ application submission is on February 23, with no specified timeline for the announcement of the winning community.
Nunes confirmed that the board has authorized the submission of “The Current” proposal but emphasized that the project is still in its preliminary 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.”
He added, “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.”
The Woodlands Township’s innovative proposal showcases a forward-thinking approach to addressing traffic congestion and enhancing transportation infrastructure within the community. Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of “The Current” project.