Legendary LSU Tunnels Have Practical HVAC Purpose
BATON ROUGE, La.—There are numerous urban myths about the vast tunnel network that exists under the Louisiana State University (LSU) campus, but the truth is simple. At one time, tunnels were a fundamental part of construction design. The LSU tunnels 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 central quad before branching off. Theories about the tunnels include them being emergency exits from campus or a secret entryway for notorious Louisiana Gov. Huey Long. However, Facility and Utility Operations director Dave Maharrey says the 1.6-mile (2.6 km) network’s primary purpose was to house steam coils, which provide energy for some of the old radiator-style heaters and chilled water coils for air-conditioning units still in use on campus.