Press Release
Boring Company to Aid Multibillion-Dollar Amtrak Tunnel Project Amid Cost Concerns
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has enlisted the Boring Company, founded by Elon Musk, to assist in evaluating the Frederick Douglass Tunnel project, a crucial $8.5 billion tunnel connecting Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Virginia. Initially estimated at $6 billion, the project’s budget has soared due to various challenges.
FRA officials recently met with Boring Company representatives to explore cost-effective strategies for the tunnel’s construction. Nathaniel Sizemore, a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation (DOT), confirmed ongoing discussions with Boring and other firms to secure a new engineering contract but refrained from naming additional candidates.
Concerns surrounding Musk’s potential conflicts of interest have surfaced as he balances multiple businesses, including Tesla and SpaceX, while serving as an advisor to President Trump. Detractors, such as Senator Ted Cruz and Vice President JD Vance, criticized federal funding for favoring northeastern states, with Musk himself expressing disdain for Amtrak, advocating for privatization.
The Frederick Douglass Tunnel is a significant infrastructure project aimed at replacing the 152-year-old Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Originally set for completion by 2035, the project has faced scrutiny for escalating costs and missed deadlines, per a report from Amtrak’s inspector general.
Previous ambitions from the Boring Company include a proposed hyperloop project between major cities, though many initiatives have yet to materialize. Amid investor concerns regarding Musk’s attention to Tesla, he recently announced plans to limit his time on government efficiency initiatives in Washington.
While Amtrak remains silent on these developments, the FRA emphasizes the need for collaborations to stabilize the project’s progress as it navigates rising costs and challenges.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
