There are tons of steam tunnel manholes all over campus. Many are labeled "sanitary sewer". There are also a lot of tunnel ventilation grates in or next to the sidewalks - they're either round like manhole covers, or square. Almost all are bolted down, or have a 15-foot drop to the tunnel with no rungs or ladder, or are otherwise useless. I've found one grate that allows tunnel access, and have heard of one or two others. I know the doors you're talking about, they supposedly used to provide tunnel access.

Good luck with that crawlspace!

Posted by tick There are tons of steam tunnel manholes all over campus. Many are labeled "sanitary sewer". There are also a lot of tunnel ventilation grates in or next to the sidewalks - they're either round like manhole covers, or square. Almost all are bolted down, or have a 15-foot drop to the tunnel with no rungs or ladder, or are otherwise useless. I've found one grate that allows tunnel access, and have heard of one or two others. I know the doors you're talking about, they supposedly used to provide tunnel access. Good luck with that crawlspace!

The more I search for entrances to the steam tunnels, the more I wonder how students do it. They must have some keys, or know how to pick locks or something. I wouldn't be too surprised of entrances through other tunnels (sewers and drains), but until I can get maps of the drains and sewers I won't know for sure. They must at least have ladders.

I've heard that UVA students get suspended or expelled for steam tunneling, so what would happen to a UVA employee?

I've talked to some students recently who've told me of a few new entrances in exchange for the complete map of the tunnel system that I just happen to have

Basically, the tunnel system is split into two sections by Emmet Street. Each section has a few steel gates at different intervals, blocking access to various parts of campus. There are also gates blocking access into buildings.

Students find tunnel entrances by walking around campus at night, checking out every grate they find. Eventually, they usually find one that isn't bolted down and provides steam tunnel access. That's what I did. I'm unaware of any connections to storm drains or sewers...it's unlikely, but I've been doing this long enough that nothing surprises me anymore.

I don't know what would happen to a university employee caught in the tunnels. Usually it depends on the mood of the police officer.