DOT Completes Review of Draft EA for DC-Baltimore Loop Project
The Boring Company's website for the project indicates the two tunnels would be constructed at least 30 feet below ground and the project initially would be a high-speed underground public transportation system in which passengers are transported in autonomous electric vehicles traveling at up to 150 miles per hour.
The U.S. Department of Transportation on April 17 announced the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment for the Washington, D.C. to Baltimore Loop Project. This is the first step in a joint federal-state review of what is envisioned as a non-traditional transportation technology.
The Boring Company, of Hawthorne, Calif., is proposing a privately funded underground high-speed tunnel facility to help alleviate traffic congestion. The proposed project would consist of two tunnels approximately 35.3 miles long between Washington and Baltimore, partly following the right-of-way under the Baltimore Washington Parkway. Proposed station terminals would be located on New York Avenue, northwest of Union Station, in the nation's capital and in the Camden Yards area of downtown Baltimore.
The Boring Company's website for the project indicates the tunnels would be constructed at least 30 feet below ground and the project initially would be a high-speed underground public transportation system in which passengers are transported in autonomous electric vehicles traveling at up to 150 miles per hour.
"The publication of a draft environmental assessment for this unique project demonstrates the department's commitment to preparing for the future of transportation across all modes," U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said.
Comments on the draft Environmental Assessment may be submitted online at https://www.dcbaltimoreloop.com. There will be a 45-day public comment period.
DOT (through the Federal Highway Administration) and the Maryland Department of Transportation (acting also on behalf of the District of Columbia) are seeking public review and comment on environmental considerations for the proposed project, with final governmental approvals depending on the outcome of the review and comment process and any subsequent modifications. Both agencies noted operational safety issues will be addressed in future studies, as will the ultimate engineering and design details.