The Boring Company is making visible strides with the Vegas Loop project, as they celebrate the arrival of their tunnel boring machine emerging near the Las Vegas Strip. This event marks another step towards the goal of creating an underground transportation network in Sin City. A photo and video capturing the moment near Las Vegas Boulevard, opposite the Encore hotel, were shared by the company, as reported by News 3 Las Vegas. "Emerging from beneath the Las Vegas Strip," the post from Tuesday reads.
According to a Las Vegas Review-Journal report, this marks the second instance of the Boring Company's tunnels reaching the west side of the Strip. The recently completed tunnel runs across the Wynn Golf Club and to the area designated as Wynn West. Previously home to the New Frontier, this stretch envisions a broader transportation canvas featuring multiple destinations.
Clark County spokesperson Jennifer Cooper confirmed the permitting for the tunneling work, which was issued in June, although it eluded detection on the county's building records portal. The completed tunnel is expected to serve as a conduit between Wynn/Encore and Caesars Palace. Additionally, the Boring Company is digging into other projects that will sprawl across the Las Vegas Valley.
Wider plans are in the works to extend the Vegas Loop network closer to Harry Reid International Airport. The Tesla EVs utilized in the Vegas Loop might soon move above ground to ferry passengers to the airport, contingent upon the completion of vital station nodes and necessary approvals from the Nevada Transportation Authority. A station near the airport's planned north multimodal center is part of the overarching scheme, potentially increasing passenger convenience substantially.
Currently, the Vegas Loop boasts 3.5 miles of functional tunnels, including four stations at strategic points like the convention center and resorts. While travel within the convention center is free, small fees apply for journeys extending to the other stations. The pricing model is accessible, at $4.25 for a single ride or $12.50 for an all-day pass, highlighting the Vegas Loop's potential as a versatile addition to Las Vegas's transport amenities. Boring Co. has big plans for the future, envisioning a sprawling network with 104 stations and 68 miles of tunnels, aiming to transform the city's transit landscape.
