After months of construction, the heart of Pittsburg State University’s campus, the Oval, is now open once again, welcoming back students, faculty, and the community. The reopening also marks the progress of a major underground utility tunnel project, ensuring that the campus’ core infrastructure is safe, reliable, and ready for the future.
“Efficient, safe pedestrian routes are again open, and prime gathering space at the center of the Oval is available to be enjoyed by the community,” Lindell Haverstic said, the university architect and director of planning, design, and construction.
He cautioned the campus community to remain on the sidewalk rather than travel across the new soft and rooting sod until Facility Operations remove signage.
The closure, while inconvenient to many, was necessary in order to allow for the installation of new utility tunnels, previously replacing many of the failing original tunnels. These older tunnels, some of which date back to 1913, carry steam heat, chilled water, domestic water, and other utilities to 21 core buildings across campus.
“They are crucial for much of our original core campus to function,” Haverstic said. “The tunnels may typically be out of sight, but never out of mind. The tunnel system delivers steam from our Physical Plant to 21 buildings. They must also provide safe working conditions for PSU’s Facility Operations teams to complete routine utility service and repairs.”
“The width, height, and lighting of the new tunnels are impressive in their own right and just plain awesome in comparison to the original,” Haverstic shared.
The new tunnel sections provide utility paths to Russ, Porter, Kelce, Hughes, Horace Mann, Whitesitt, and McCray, as well as a conduit for steam and condensate leaving or returning to the physical plant.
Construction revealed some unexpected issues including sanitary sewer and storm sewer issues that needed repaired. Despite these challenges, operations stayed ahead of schedule, with the original reopening predicted to be in April, not February.
“The project allowed for broader improvements to the space as well. The closure of the Oval allowed for improvements to site drainage, sidewalks, and lawns within the work zone,” Haverstic said. “Campus Grounds also coordinated opportunities to remove some plantings that no longer served the campus well.”
During construction, the closure affected the daily routines of the campus community. “Students, staff, and community members adjusted where they parked and how they walked across campus and accessed some buildings,” Haverstic noted. “Some campus events that traditionally utilized the Oval had to utilize alternative sites such as Cleveland Plaza or Lindburg Plaza.”
Now, the Oval is restored back to full functionality and as the center of campus life, offering improved pathways and an open gathering space.
The new tunnel infrastructure promises long-term benefits for the university. “The completed infrastructure will yield enormous benefits and allow the 21 buildings serviced by the tunnels to operate safely and reliably for another hundred years of student, faculty, staff, and constituent use,” Haverstic said.
The project also aligns with the universities master plan, continuing to support growth while preserving the functionality of historical campus buildings.
Even with the Oval reopening, additional work is planned for the summer. Haverstic shared how the original tunnels replaced by the new installations will be filled with flowable fill over the summer, as well as the east leg of Lindburg reopening to traffic after work new the Physical Plant completes. Other projects include roof replacements on Horace Mann and roof recoveries on Dellinger and Nation Halls, all near the campus core.
The reopening of the Oval is more than just the return of a campus staple. It reflects Pitt State’s commitment to maximizing their campus, including modernizing their infrastructures, maintaining historical campus buildings, and creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all students and staff.