Elon Musk's Westside Tunnel System Clears Permit Hurdle

LOS ANGELES, CA — Elon Musk's proposed network of traffic-dodging tunnels moved a step closer to reality Wednesday when a Los Angeles City Council committee approved excavation permits the tech tycoon is seeking for a 2.7-mile "proof of concept" tunnel on the Westside.

The Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee noted, however, that Metro will need to review the project, in part to ensure it does not conflict with the agency's own plans to build a transit system along the Sepulveda corridor. The committee also added an amendment to clarify that the tunnel was not a public mass transit system and only a proof of concept -- a distinction needed for the committee to also find that the project is exempt from the often- stringent requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.

Councilman Paul Koretz, who is not on the committee, spoke at the meeting in favor of the excavation permits. He said the permits were just a "toe in the water" of the overall project, and that other permits and environmental reviews would be needed in the future.

"The Boring Co. technology would enable zero-emission vehicles to increase transportation speed and safety, while remaining environmentally responsible," Koretz said. "I had a great conversation with Elon Musk yesterday, who puts his full confidence in this project. He agreed to work closely with the city to ensure our well being."

Hawthorne leaders in August gave a green light to Musk's proposal to dig a two-mile test tunnel underneath the city, extending from the headquarters of his company SpaceX.

The Los Angeles tunnel would run beneath Sepulveda Boulevard, staring with an entry point at property owned by the Boring Co. at 2352 Sepulveda Blvd., north of West Pico Boulevard, and end underground near the corner of Washington Boulevard and Sepulveda in Culver City. Boring Co. officials pitched the tunnel plan to the Culver City Council in January and received a mixed reaction.

A YouTube video posted by the Boring Co. shows that the system would have electric mobile platforms that can carry either cars or pods for passengers capable of traveling up to 150 mph. Musk said he hopes to eventually build a system that stretches all around the county.

City News Service; Image: Youtube Screengrab