The Rivers Street Tunnels Upgrade was one of several projects completed at Appalachian State University to improve safety and aesthetics and to enhance the App State Experience.

The project supports App State’s strategic priorities, as well as the university’s goals and metrics associated with the University of North Carolina System’s strategic plan. It will benefit current and prospective students and their families, as well as faculty, staff, and campus visitors.

About

Through its Tunnels Upgrade project, App State revitalized critical passageways on the Boone campus that provide safe crossings underneath a busy four-lane street. The tunnels, which for many years were dark and covered in graffiti, have become bright, secure pathways.

The upgrade included sandblasting to remove old layers of paint from the tunnel walls and floors; replacing dim lighting with new, bright LED lighting; and installing 24/7 closed-circuit cameras to enhance security. The renovation addressed safety concerns, ensuring that the tunnels are well lit, police patrolled and monitored, and slip-resistant, even in adverse weather conditions. By transforming this space, App State reinforces its commitment to providing a campus environment that is both inviting and secure.

Alongside practical improvements, the project also embraces aesthetic considerations: The tunnel across from Newland Residence Hall will showcase commissioned art, to be selected through a curated process, and the tunnel located at the foot of New River Residence Hall has been redesignated as a free expression space.

On May 9, 2024, App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris invited members of the App State Community to begin painting works of free expression and creativity in the New River Hall tunnel, with paint contained to the inside walls of the tunnel, to prevent slipping hazards.

Rendering presents a design concept for App State’s Rivers Street Tunnels Upgrade project.

This rendering presents an early design concept for App State’s Rivers Street Tunnels Upgrade project. Image by Jacki McGuire

Status

The upgrade of the Rivers Street tunnels commenced in early February 2024, with the installation of closed-circuit camera systems. The initial phase of sandblasting began March 4, 2024, and an estimated 7,000 pounds of old paint was removed from the tunnels. Additionally, new LED lighting has been installed in both tunnels, with the Phase 1 renovation work completed on April 26, 2024.

In response to requests from students to explore additional options for free expression space on campus, Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown developed a Free Expression Space Working Group, which was led by App State’s Free Speech Officers. This group presented its recommendations report to Chancellor Norris and her leadership team the week of May 6, 2024, and on May 9, the tunnel across from New River Residence Hall was redesignated as a free expression space on the Boone campus.

Norris has invited App State Community members to begin painting works of free expression and creativity in the New River Hall tunnel, keeping paint contained to the inside walls of the tunnel, to prevent slipping hazards. As the group recommended, the university will keep security cameras in place and will work to maintain other safety precautions to avoid paint on the floors and over the lighting.

The second tunnel, located across from Newland Residence Hall, will showcase commissioned art, to be selected through a curated process. App State is working to identify the best process to bring this new art opportunity to life.

How is it funded?

The project was supported by the university’s General Fund budget.

Who will benefit?

The Rivers Street Tunnels Upgrade benefits the entire App State Community — enhancing commuting conditions, supporting daily campus operations and providing upgraded infrastructure and security features for all who use the tunnels. The project symbolizes the university’s dedication to fostering an environment where every member feels valued and protected.

How does it support App State strategic priorities?

The upgrade directly supports App State’s Strategic Plan priorities by:

  • providing an enhanced educational environment that is safe, thereby contributing to student success;
  • cultivating and supporting a welcoming university community; and
  • supporting walkability on campus, which strengthens resilience and sustainability.

How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?

The Tunnels Upgrade project reinforces the UNC System’s dedication to student success by ensuring a safe learning environment, which is a foundation for academic achievement. An enhanced campus designed with students, faculty, staff and the public in mind supports recruitment and retention of all members of the university and local communities.