The proposed underground development would help connect Universal Orlando Resort properties, including Epic Universe. The parks have been historically divided by existing construction.
Boring Company Might Build Underground System for Universal Florida
The Boring Company, founded and owned by Elon Musk, has been selected by the Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District to dig tunnels to connect Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, as reported by Orlando’s News 6 WKMG.
The Shingle Creek Transit and Utility District is an independent special district similar to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (formerly the Reedy Creek Improvement District) which governs developments in and around Walt Disney World Resort.
The Shingle Creek District covers roughly 720 acres of Orlando land located south of Sand Lake Road, west of John Young Parkway, and north of State Road 528. Most of this property is occupied by Universal’s Epic Universe.
The District voted Wednesday to move ahead with a vote to approach The Boring Company to design and build connective infrastructure between Universal’s older parks and Epic Universe.
The official announcement from the District’s website reads:
The Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District Board voted to authorize staff to begin contract negotiations with The Boring Company. This follows the Board’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for transportation infrastructure improvements that support District priorities, such as the Sunshine Corridor, for Central Florida’s continued growth.
Of the three RFQ responses, Board members determined that The Boring Company’s proposal best addressed the District’s request for an innovative, future-ready, point-to-point solution. The District will now continue collaborating with local stakeholders while exploring the operational and financial feasibility of the preferred proposal. Any final contract would be subject to Board approval. If a final feasible agreement relative to the project is not ultimately reached, the District Board will have the discretion in the future to issue another RFQ or take any other action consistent with Florida law for last-mile solutions.
The Boring Company is known for its expertise in underground tunnels, including the “Vegas Loop” in Nevada which shuttles people through an underground pathway in Tesla vehicles.
A representative from one of the companies that was not selected for the project confirmed that the development involves connecting different Universal parks and CityWalk to reduce traffic and make it easier for tourists to visit all Universal properties.
Plans for the project have not yet been released, and The Boring Company has not yet signaled plans to accept the project.
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