Academics
Campus
Here, a few FAQs with everything students, university employees, and visitors to campus need to know!
(Pro-tip: If you head to a stairwell on the east side of Russ Hall, there are some fantastic views of the construction site from 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors that call to mind an archaeological dig.)
Many of the university’s buildings rely on steam carried in underground tunnels to provide heat during the winter months. The oldest sections of tunnels are more than 100 years old and have reached the end of their safe and useful life.
To build new underground concrete utility tunnels that tie into the campus’s existing tunnel system. These tunnels will carry new steam and hot water piping, providing reliable utility service to many buildings across campus.
It will mean Pitt State will have a reliable, modern, and safe system for heating all the affected buildings now and for many decades to come. The tunnels will house new utility systems that are essential to campus operations — especially heating.
The current estimated completion date is Oct. 10, 2026. That’s based on a detailed schedule that accounts for every phase and activity of the project. The Crossland team is actively working to speed up that delivery date wherever possible.
The project is in the heart of campus, which brings unique hurdles. It meant essentially splitting the Oval in half. But Crossland’s approach has been to complete and reopen sections as quickly as possible, so pedestrians can regain access while keeping all construction activities secure inside the fence.
This project will require flexibility by students, employees, and visitors as some walking paths between buildings will be blocked and will require different routes.
