The Central Heating Plant and Utility Tunnels are essential to the operation of MSU. The Central Heating Plant was constructed in 1922 and currently delivers steam to the core university buildings, approximately three million square feet. The plant also produces approximately 4% of MSU’s electricity requirement using a steam driven turbine. The plant operates continuously 24 hours per day 365 day per year.

The Utility Tunnel System was constructed starting in 1993 and completed in several phases. MSU currently maintains two miles of underground tunnel. The utility tunnels contain campus utility distribution infrastructure including steam, condensate return, irrigation water and control system compressed air piping, as well as chilled and hot water piping in some areas. Prior to the tunnels many of these lines were buried in the ground with very limited access for service and repair. The tunnel system is expanded as MSU continues to grow.

Technical Tours & Access