Wright State tunnels continue to keep campus safe

When the first snowflakes fall and the temperature drops, Wright State University’s extensive tunnel system is a popular and safe destination for all students, faculty and staff.

“The tunnels are definitely a good thing,” said Bryce Kells, a first-year student majoring in human resource management. “It’s been so cold with winter rolling in so I’ve been using the tunnels to stay warm.”

Due to harsh outdoor conditions, many students, staff and faculty are drawn to Wright State for its tunnel system, a network of underground hallways and passages on the Dayton Campus that provides shelter from the elements above. And regardless of the weather, the tunnels are a convenient way for students, faculty and staff with disabilities to navigate around campus.

“There isn’t any kind of barrier physically when it comes to the weather for our students especially for chair users,” said Tom Webb, associate vice president of accessibility.

With two miles of tunnels linking 21 of 23 buildings in the academic section of the Dayton Campus, the tunnel system has made Wright State one of the most accessible colleges in the country. Earlier this year, Wright State reopened a portion of the tunnel system connecting Hamilton Hall to the Student Union, giving students in Hamilton easy access to the tunnel network.

Wright State recently received a StormReady certification from the National Weather Service, in part because of the tunnel system, which provides a safe space and communication capabilities during severe storms such as tornados.

“The tunnels have speakers and certain safety infostructure put in place so that it’s safe if there’s ever certain types of weather,” said Kurt Holden, director of the Department of Public Safety.