|
NEWS
| NOVEMBER 30, 2005
Connecting the Campus
The tunnel system houses the university’s
water and steam lines
 |
| The Shorthorn: Scott Russell |
| The large concrete vents around
campus provide fresh air to the tunnel system
that runs underneath the entire campus. The tunnels connect
almost every building on campus and function as an infrastructure
for piping, water and steam lines and networking. |
|
By Kim
McQuire
Contributor to The Shorthorn
Mechanical engineering junior Keith Hill wishes he could use the
tunnel system on those rainy days for his treks across campus.
“It would just make it so much easier,” he said. “I
just want to know what they’re used for.”
The tunnel system, which connects to almost every campus building,
is used as infrastructure for piping, water and steam lines and
networking, Physical Plant Director Jeff Johnson said.
He said the system, which has been used since the construction of
campus in 1895, allows utilities to be supplied to buildings more
economically.
“The system is very critical,” he said. “Without
it, a majority of the buildings wouldn’t have chilled water
or heating and cooling.”
Johnson said that access to the tunnels is “extremely”
limited for security reasons, especially after the Sept. 11 terrorist
attacks, not because it is unsafe.
“If terrorists wanted to do some severe damage, they would
do something to the tunnel system,” he said.
Johnson said students shouldn’t be worried of such an attack
on the system.
Bryan Sims, Physical Plant associate director, said the system requires
more security than other campus areas.
Johnson said only selected officials have access and that trespassers,
whether faculty or student, will be prosecuted.
“Access is restricted to certain Physical Plant personnel
only when maintenance and repairs are necessary,” he said.
Sims said he doesn’t understand why students would want to
use the tunnel system.
“It’s not a very glamorous place down there,”
he said.
Johnson said that the large cement boxes around campus are ventilation
systems that supply fresh air to the tunnels.
As he passes by in the rain, Hill looks longingly at a ventilation
box leading to the tunnel system.
“I just wish I could be dry on my way to class,” he
said.
|
|
