Elon Musk, tweeted in December 2016, that he will build a tunnel boring machine and start digging because the traffic is driving him "nuts". He named this digging project "The Boring Company."
Traffic is driving me nuts. Am going to build a tunnel boring machine and just start digging... — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 17, 2016
Musk's more than 8 million followers and people around the world may not have taken his tweet seriously and probably treated it like another rant of someone frustrated with traffic. It seems that Musk was taking his own tweet very seriously.
After the December tweet, Musk again tweeted on Jan. 25 that there has been "exciting progress" in his tunnel plans. The digging would start in a month or so.
Exciting progress on the tunnel front. Plan to start digging in a month or so.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 25, 2017
Musk plans to build a tunnel to reduce traffic in Los Angeles. He also revealed the location of the tunnel via Twitter. The Tesla CEO said that the tunnel would start across from his desk at Space X, continue to Crenshaw and the 105 freeway.
Tunnels usually have two ends but according to the eccentric CEO, this tunnel will have only one.
"Without tunnels, we will all be in traffic hell forever. I really do think tunnels are the key to solving urban gridlock," said Elon Musk to online publication The Verge via Twitter direct message.
Whatever Musk's plans are, one thing is for certain, he doesn't have the permit to start digging as Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering hasn't received any permit application for a tunnel to be constructed beneath Public Right of Way.
"Any such permit application for a tunnel beneath the Public Right of Way would require City Council approval," said Mary Nemick, the spokesperson for Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering.
Musk has recently met U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House to discuss on U.S. manufacturing. Perhaps, he will be able to pull off this project because of a genial relationship with the government.
Los Angeles Faces Traffic Concern
Musk's tunnel idea may not be that bad given Los Angeles' bad history of traffic jams. In 2015, drivers on Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana region spent 81 hours on the freeway stuck in traffic.
Traffic snarls are such a nuisance in Los Angeles that it remains the primary concern for South California residents, leaving behind issues like retirement, housing costs, and personal safety.
Scientists have stated that although heavy traffic may be a nuisance, it represents a healthier economy. The people stuck behind long lines in traffic are sure to differ in their opinion regarding the theory.
