Virginia Tech is blessed with an extensive tunnel system, carrying steam in insulated pipes to most of the buildings on campus. If you, like many people I've talked to, have ever heard rumors of "tunnels under the drillfield" this is what they're referring to. This network of tunnels starts at the power plant on Turner Street (it's the big building with the smokestack), and fans out all across campus. 

Steam tunnels range from hallway-like and comfortable to cramped and intensely hot (over 150^oF!). Some sections are well-lit, others are pitch black. In addition to the dangers of high pressure steam, you also have to be careful of electrical wires, low oxygen levels in the air, and heat exhaustion. The administration of Virginia Tech realizes that if you were to get injured or killed in the steam tunnels, your parents could sue for untold millions of dollars, so to reduce their liability they try to keep us out with threats of suspension, expulsion, or arrest.

DO NOT ENTER THE VIRGINIA TECH STEAM TUNNELS! Every few weeks I hear about yet another person or group who got injured or caught while exploring the tunnels. Tech has been cracking down on tunneling... they've locked up some of the best exits, and if you're spotted entering the tunnels the police will come in after you. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Although Virginia Tech has upwards of six miles of steam tunnels, there are only five sections which are readily accessible. This is why my steam tunnel map differs from the one put out by the school. I've labeled these sections after the buildings they start and end closest to.

Agnew to the New Chemistry Building

Cassell to the Power Plant

Greenhouses to Hillcrest

Dietrick to Fralin

Shultz to the Power Plant

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