Utility Tunnel Project
March 2026 - March 2028
Eastern Illinois University is completing a multi-year project to repair underground utility tunnels and upgrade infrastructure that provides heating and other services to campus buildings.
Construction began in March 2026 and will continue through several areas of campus over the next two years. Work includes replacing steam and condensate piping, repairing tunnel structures, and upgrading utility connections.
During construction, portions of sidewalks and nearby areas may be temporarily affected while crews access underground tunnels.
Pedestrian access across campus will remain available throughout the project. Temporary routes, ADA-accessible walkways, and signage will guide pedestrians safely around active work areas.
Construction Map
Click on a construction zone to get more information.
North Phase
March 16, 2026 - Jan. 29, 2027
Affected Areas: Buildings, pathways and parking lots in and around the north areas of campus including the North Quad, Old Main, Pemberton Hall, Blair Hall, Student Services and Physical Science.
For the duration of the North phase, The rock lot near the former steam plant will be used for contractor staging, and construction equipment will be present in the area. Parking will be closed in this area.
Old Main / Pemberton Hall
March 16 - Aug. 11, 2026
Phase 1N
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Construction will occur between Old Main and Pemberton Hall.
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Fencing will surround the work area and temporary piping will run above ground while repairs are completed.
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Temporary ramps will maintain accessible routes around the construction zone.
Blair Hall / Student Services
March 16 - Dec. 25, 2026
Phase 2N
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Parking on the south side of Blair Hall will be temporarily closed, though ADA spaces will remain available.
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A temporary ramp will be installed near the northeast corner of Student Services to maintain east–west pedestrian access.
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Sidewalk closures will be marked and construction fencing will surround work areas.
North Quad
March 16 - Dec. 25, 2026
Phase 3N
- Construction activity will take place in parts of the North Quad.
- Some sidewalks may be temporarily closed and fenced off while repairs are completed.
- Signs will guide pedestrians around the work zone.
North Quad / Physical Science Building
March 16 - Dec. 18, 2026
Phase 4N
- Construction near the Physical Science Building will affect pedestrian routes through the North Quad.
- Temporary ramps will maintain access along major north–south sidewalks.
- Access to the south entrance of the Physical Science Building will be blocked from the east during this phase.
East Phase
March 16, 2026 - Jan. 6 2028
Affected Areas: Buildings, pathways, parking lots and recreation areas in and around the following areas of campus: South Quad, Thomas Hall, Human Services, Greek Court, Seventh Street, Ninth Street, Renewable Energy Center and CENCERE.
South Quad / Thomas Hall / Human Services / 7th St.
March 16 - July 29, 2026
Phase 1E
- Work near Thomas Hall and the Human Services Building will require closing a portion of 7th Street while utilities are installed under the roadway.
- Temporary traffic signage will direct vehicles.
- Bollards at the Doudna circle drive will be removed to allow emergency access from the north.
7th St. (Near S-Lot)
March 16 - July 29, 2026
Phase 2E
- Construction along 7th Street near the S-Lot will require temporary sidewalk closures and fencing around the work area.
- Approximately 12 street parking spaces along 7th Street will be temporarily removed.
Thomas Hall Recreation Courts / S-Lot
May 12 - Oct. 7, 2026
Phase 3E
- The recreation courts east of Thomas Hall will be closed during construction.
- A portion of the S-Lot parking lot will be unavailable.
- A portion of 9th Street will be temporarily closed while underground work is completed.
Greek Court
May 12 - Oct. 7, 2026
Phase 4E
- Construction near Greek Court will affect parking and traffic in the area.
- Portions of the 9th Street parking lot and parking behind Greek Court 1 and Greek Court 3 will be temporarily closed.
- 9th Street will be temporarily closed while underground work is completed.
Greek Court
July 13, 2026 - Jan. 6, 2027
Phase 5E
- Parking behind Greek Court 1 and Greek Court 3 will be temporarily closed.
- A portion of 12th Street will also be closed while underground utility work is completed.
Greek Court
July 13, 2026 - Jan. 6, 2028
Phase 6E
- Construction will continue near Greek Court with fencing around active work areas and construction equipment traffic in the area.
Renewable Energy Center
Oct. 12, 2026 - Feb. 24, 2027
Phase 7E
- Construction near the Renewable Energy Center will impact vehicle access to the back side of the REC and the nearby electrical substation.
South Phase
Jan. 4, 2027 - Jan. 27 2028
Affected Areas: Buildings, pathways, parking lots and recreation areas in and around the following areas of campus: 7th St., Biological Science, Booth Library, Doudna Fine Arts Center, Ford Hall, Human Services, Lantz Complex, Library Quad, Lincoln Hall, Lumpkin Hall, MLK Jr. Union, Powell-Norton Hall, South Quad, Stevenson Hall and Thomas Hall.
South Quad / Thomas Hall / Human Services
Jan. 4 - Oct. 5, 2027
Phase 1S
- Construction across the South Quad near Thomas Hall and the Human Services Building will require temporary ramps and sidewalk detours to maintain pedestrian access.
South Quad / Lumpkin Hall / Thomas Hall / Human Services
Jan. 4 - Dec. 14, 2027
Phase 2S
- Construction near Lumpkin Hall and Human Services will affect pedestrian routes.
- The west entrance to the Human Services Building will be impacted, and visitors should use the south entrance during this phase.
Booth Library / Biological Science / Lumpkin Hall
Jan. 4 - Dec. 28, 2027
Phase 3S
- Construction near Booth Library, the Biological Science Building, and Lumpkin Hall will require fencing around work areas and temporary adjustments to nearby sidewalks.
Booth Library / Biological Science
Jan. 4 - Dec. 28, 2027
Phase 4S
- Temporary sidewalks will be installed to maintain pedestrian access around construction areas near Booth Library and the Biological Science Building.
Library Quad / Booth Library / Doudna Fine Arts Center
Jan. 4 - Dec. 16, 2027
Phase 5S
- Construction in the Library Quad area will affect access near Booth Library.
- The east side of the north entrance to Booth Library will be impacted during this phase.
7th St. / MLK Jr. Union
Date TBD
Phase 6S
- Construction near 7th Street and the Marchtin Luther King Jr. Union will require fencing around work areas and temporary sidewalk closures.