<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3AfTaM_19ovHsI000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3AfTaM_19ovHsI000" width="1241" height="826" ><figcaption>The Boring Company named 16 finalists for its tunnel project, including The Woodlands and several Texas cities, with a final decision expected March 23. (Pool/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>Elon Musk's tunneling concept is moving forward in Texas, with several cities making the finalist list for a project that could bring underground transit to the state.Musk's tunneling venture, The Boring Company, has narrowed its "Tunnel Vision Challenge" down to 16 finalists out of 487 proposals submitted worldwide, with five Texas cities making the cut, including: The Woodlands, Dallas, Waco and San Antonio and Bastrop.Other U.S. cities competing against Texas include:<ul><li>Ketchikan, AK</li><li>Fort Smith, AR</li><li>Denver, Co</li><li>Kansas City, KS</li><li>New Orleans, LA</li><li>Orchard Park, NY</li><li>Panama City, Panama</li><li>Hendersonville, TN</li><li>Gatlinburg, TN</li><li>Knoxville, TN</li></ul>The competition, launched earlier this year, invites cities to propose how Musk's tunneling technology could be used locally. The winning project could receive up to one mile of tunnel construction at no cost.Across Texas, the concepts vary.Bastrop's proposal focuses on a pedestrian tunnel, while Dallas and Waco are pitching "loop" systems designed to move passengers efficiently. San Antonio's entry centers on a pedestrian tunnel tied to Morgan's Wonderland, and The Woodlands has proposed "The Current," a pair of underground tunnels beneath Town Center aimed at easing event-driven congestion.As Chron previously reported, The Woodlands' concept would shuttle passengers in electric vehicles between high-traffic destinations like Waterway Square, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and nearby hotels-via a a pair of underground tunnels. The goal: ease congestion during concerts, festivals and major events without expanding already crowded surface roads. Now, the project has cleared its first major hurdle."We are honored to be considered a finalist among these outstanding cities. Please note that being named a finalist does not indicate selection," The Woodlands Township said in a Facebook post. "If we are chosen, additional steps, including public engagement, engineering and public safety studies, and financial analysis, will take place before any commitment to the project is made."The Township previously made clear the submission was only an application, with no funding commitment, no construction approval and no guarantee the project would move forward. Any next steps would require additional board approval, engineering studies and public input.While The Woodlands has drawn attention locally, the finalist list shows Texas is heavily represented in the competition-underscoring how the state has become a testing ground for Musk's infrastructure ideas. The proposals themselves vary; according to The Boring Company, tunnel concepts can range from passenger "loop" systems to pedestrian, freight or utility tunnels, depending on local needs.If selected, The Woodlands project would remain limited in scope-a short connector focused on Town Center, not a citywide transit system. That distinction has been key for local leaders trying to manage expectations.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0ESasf_19ovHsI000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0ESasf_19ovHsI000" width="960" height="640" ><figcaption>Elon Musk has chosen 16 finalists-five from Texas-to receive a free tunnel from his Boring Company. (Photo by Robyn Beck-Pool/Getty Images) (Pool/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>"We know we have traffic impacts and pedestrian movement challenges, especially in the Town Center area," Chris Nunes, Chief Operating Officer of The Woodlands Township, said during the proposal meeting.The concept would not run beneath residential neighborhoods and would require extensive review, including environmental analysis, flood mitigation planning and public safety coordination before any construction could begin. However, it's now closer than before-but still far from guaranteed.The final decision is expected on Monday.For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here.This article originally published at Houston suburb among 5 Texas finalists for free tunnel funded by Elon Musk.</div></body>

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Elon Musk's tunneling concept is moving forward in Texas, with several cities making the finalist list for a project that could bring underground transit to the state. Musk's tunneling venture, The Boring Company, has narrowed its "Tunnel Vision Challenge" down to 16 finalists out of 487 proposals submitted worldwide, with five Texas cities making the cut, including: The Woodlands, Dallas, Waco and San Antonio and Bastrop.

Houston suburb among 5 Texas finalists for free tunnel funded by Elon Musk

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Elon Musk's tunneling concept is moving forward in Texas, with several cities making the finalist list for a project that could bring underground transit t

Houston suburb among 5 Texas finalists for free tunnel funded by Elon Musk

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