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Tunnel Vision

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Class Notes

Class Notes

Project emphasizes safety, and a mural spanning the generations

As Aida Nunez made her way back to the residence halls following a morning class, she said she was happy the tunnel under Newman Road had reopened after having been closed several months for renovations.

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Nunez said she appreciated the tunnel’s new look and safety features, as well as a photo mural that runs its full length.

“And it’s a lot quicker than crossing at the (traffic) light,” the freshman industrial engineering student said.

The tunnel, which connects the residence halls to the main campus, first opened in the spring of 1981.

“It’s never been a very aesthetic part of campus,” said Dr. Brad Hodson, Missouri Southern’s executive vice president. “When we engaged with students, their No. 1 priority was to improve access, safety and security to the tunnel. We added additional security cameras, new lighting, sound and a new emergency call button. There’s also a new drainage system. It was always a little damp in there, but this should keep it dry.”

The tunnel also features a new photo mural depicting several generations of students navigating campus, from Joplin Junior College in the late 1930s to today.

The south end opens to a new raised walkway across the main parking lot. Both projects – as well as street replacements, crosswalk improvements and more accessible entrances – were paid through federal and state funds provided exclusively for capital construction.

“It creates a safer, more secure and more pleasant walk to and from campus,” Hodson said.

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