MTCC - Life Sciences/Pritzker Science Center - E1/Rettaliata Engineering Center - Stuart Building Tunnel System

This tunnel system connecting the Pritzker Science Center (formerly Life Sciences) building, Rettaliata Engineering Center (formerly Engineering 1) building and the Stuart Building is by far one of the longest and most extensive tunnel systems on campus. Additionally, the environment within such tunnel system varies widely, since portions of such system were originally used as pedestrian tunnels, while other interconnected sections were originally designed as steam/utility tunnels. The tunnel section connecting Engineering 1 and Stuart Building was originally designed as a pedestrian tunnel when the buildings were originally constructed and therefore is a rather comfortable temperature and very well lit compared to other tunnels. Such tunnel has long been closed to daily pedestrian traffic and is now used for utility purposes. However the branch of this tunnel network that connects the E1 - Stuart "pedestrian" tunnel to Life Sciences, E1 and the MTCC was designed entirely as a steam/utility tunnel and is therefore dark and somewhat narrow. Some sections of this tunnel far from ventilation units are very warm (~95-105F) and there are some sections, in particular the long and wide stretch towards MTCC and near first 90 degree turn heading towards the E1 - Stuart segment that have some some standing water on the floor. There is not a traversable entry point into MTCC via this tunnel; the only penetrations into MTCC via this tunnel are in the form of cable conduits that are only a few inches in diameter. Finally, there is a small second level tunnel system accessible from the segment heading in the direction of MTCC. Many of the pipes in this system are insulated using asbestos insulating materials and are explicitly labelled as such. Take extreme care to avoid damage or disturbance of any insulation materials. In order to access the ladder to the second level tunnel, you will have to navigate in close contact with a few of such pipes, therefore the use of protective equipment is advisable if attempting to enter such. At very least, avoid tearing the insulation materials and thoroughly launder any dusty clothing. Standing water in the MTCC to LS section can approach 3 inches in depth, with several other areas being at least slightly damp. Therefore, the use of waterproof footwear or at least shoes that you do not care about getting wet and dirty is strongly advised. Finally, there are a number of pipes that must be navigated around when moving between the E1-Stuart segment and the remainder of the system. While a tall and relatively athletic individual will not have much difficulty avoiding contact with hot pipes, shorter or less athletic individuals may face difficulty and the use of a cloth or blanket may be advisable for protection.