This was the first sewer/storm drain I ever explored. It's right in my neighborhood which made me all the more curious about its history. Kissena creek was buried and it still runs roughly along its original course. Burying the creek was initially put off because of concerns about steel for World War 2. Construction began on April 1, 1947. I have explored about one mile in each direction of my entry point. There are two massive corridors, probably 7-8 feet tall and either as wide, if not wider. The water is about 3-4 inches deep and is constantly running west. There are lots of iron deposits at certain parts, I'm talking about a rug made of orange goop. At one point the sewer turns into three corridors, with the third corridor carrying runoff (blackwater) from two other corridors which intersect where the third corridor begins. There's a floodgate in the pictures, and when it rains and overflows we experience combined sewage overflow. The water behind the floodgate runs in a sluice-like carving on the tunnel floor. The corridors are all attached every 100 feet or so by the open arches you see in the pictures. Heading east the corridors became a little bit narrower but still tall. There are also some large stalactites (I think) hanging in some of the shafts. I have had lots of fun exploring these tunnels and there's plenty more to see. I wouldn't mind having a companion next time.
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