Spinoff: Interesting/hidden parts of your campus no one knows about...

quote:

---

LSU Tunnels

Tunnels running under campus? It’s exactly what it sounds like. There is an entire tunnel system beneath the LSU campus that has over two and a half miles of tunnels. There are many theories behind why it was designed, but it originally served the purpose of holding the campus’ steam system when it was built in the 1920’s. These underground tunnels are linked from South Campus Drive to Highland Road and past the law buildings. As tempting as it may be to explore, it is unfortunately off limits to the public.

---

quote:

---

Louisiana State University
I was interested to note your college tunneling page. Back when I was an undergrad at Louisiana State Univ, I began exploring the campus tunnel system. This was in the early 1980's, so much of this has probably changed since then.

The main system is under the "Quad" a central quadrangle which is bordered by the library and several of the major buildings for arts and sciences. This was easily accessed by a couple of points in the quad area. In this area, the tunnels range from wide walking tunnels to belly-crawls between steam pipes.

At this time, I located a map of most of the system (which I no longer have). Much of it is disconnected, meaning that a Quad explorer can't get to many of the interesting spots on other parts of the campus. There was an intriguing connection, I believe, to a tunnel which led beneath a road to the Journalism school building.

---

quote:

---

There are numerous urban myths about the vast tunnel network that exists under the University, but the truth surrounding the infamous tunnels is much simpler. At one time, tunnels were a fundamental part of construction design. Now they stand as a piece of history.

The tunnels are as old as the buildings that stand above them. They date back to 1922, the year the University started construction of the current campus. Beginning underneath the engineering shops, the tunnels run along both sides of the Quad before branching off to the Gym Armory, Foster Hall, the Pentagon and the Music and Dramatic Arts building.



Facility and Utility Operations Director Dave Maharrey said the 1.6-mile network’s primary purpose was to house steam coils, which provide energy for some of the old radiator style heaters on campus and chill water coils for air conditioning units.

---