The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) has approved an underground rail project, a tunnel for which will be built by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company. Per the bid submitted by the company, the project will cost $85 million and take 48 months to complete.

“The Ontario Airport Loop project represents an innovative, cost-effective and sustainable approach in meeting the mobility needs of one of the most robust population and economic centers in the United States,”.

Curt Hagman, chair of the County Board of Supervisors. 

Per the latest news, Ontario Airport (ONT) Loop project has been changed from a single reversible tunnel into a bi-directional twin tunnel system.

Four-Mile Bidirectional Tunnel

The four-mile tunnel will connect Metrolink’s busiest line (Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink station) with the nation’s fastest-growing airport, the Ontario International Airport (CA). The tunnels will help shuttle 1000s of passengers daily between Rancho Cucamonga station and ONT.

“ONT is one of the aviation industry’s greatest success stories and a critical economic driver for our region. We need to take steps now to ensure that we can adequately handle our continued long-term growth and avoid the kinds of congestion issues that have become a significant problem for other airport communities,”

Alan D. Wapner, Mayor pro Tem of the City of Ontario, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners

 $85 Million and Four Years

The project is estimated to cost $85 million and take four years to complete. However, its cost is much lower than what would have been incurred should the SBCTA have chosen to build an above-ground rail or light rail connection.

Some estimates put the saving at $1.4 Billion just by building these tunnels instead of an above-ground rail link.

HNTB Provides Engineering Services for The Ontario Airport Loop

HNTB, an engineering services, will serve as the services contractor for the project on behalf of SBCTA. “HNTB will work with SBCTA to procure, select, and oversee a design, build, operate, and maintain – known as DBOM – developer for the project.”

Here’s a video shared by HNTB regarding the project.

The Boring Company is already building the ‘Vegas Loop‘ or The LVCC Loop system, providing fast and convenient transportation to the Las Vegas community, its visitors, and beyond.

We have covered this in our Weekly Wire Roundup

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