Wright State University Tunnels | Photo by Daniel Delgado | The Wright State Guardian
Current construction near Fawcett Hall is part of an ongoing project to repair leaks in the underground tunnel system at Wright State University (WSU).
Construction by Fawcett Hall
Construction is currently underway near Fawcett Hall to repair leaks to the tunnel system in that area. According to University Architect Robert Thompson, the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of the calendar year. However, difficulties getting supplies due to the pandemic may push back the end date.
“Construction right now with COVID is a very difficult time. Some materials take longer than normal. We’re kind of at the mercy of when we can get things,” Thompson said.
The leaks near Fawcett Hall are the last of the currently known leaks in the tunnel system. The tunnel repair project will be complete once the current construction is finished.
Previous repairs and cause for leaks
Previous repairs to leaks in the tunnel system include tunnels near the amphitheater, from Oelman Hall the Millett Hall and from Millett Hall to the Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures.
The tunnel repair project has been ongoing for the last two years. The contract for the project outlined a $375,145 repair price, which Thompson says came from state funding.
Although the direct cause of the leaks is unknown, Thompson suspects that it could be from a drain that was removed from the area and patching that was done to the tunnel.
“It looks like the combination of the patching kind of failing and that drain being removed were contributing factors,” Thompson said.
According to Thompson, another tunnel project is set for the future to reinforce the tunnel between University Hall and Rike Hall. No other information is currently known about this project.
