Did you know a unique tunnel system exists in downtown Dallas? If not, you are not alone. Below the city streets are 36 blocks of pedestrian tunnels! Few people know of or use these tunnels routinely, so the routes have become quite obscure, but if you’re ready to navigate a section of the city we bet you’ve never seen, read on and check out the Dallas Pedestrian Network Map. So, what’s down there anyway?
At one time the tunnels were lined with stores and restaurants.
Noah Jeppson/Flickr The tunnels connected many of the central business district’s skyscrapers.
By the 1980s, the City of Dallas had spent millions of dollars extending the tunnel network to more than two miles.
Noah Jeppson/Flickr The belief at the time was the tunnels would relieve downtown congestion at the street level.
But the tunnels made the street level appear like a ghost town, which wasn’t the image of Dallas the city wanted.
Noah Jeppson/Flickr The idea was considered a failure, and in recent years the city and building owners have shut down several sections. This barren section used to be filled with retail businesses.
The tunnel system is considered difficult to navigate now.
Marty Yawnick/Flickr Pedestrians can’t go more than a few blocks without having to come above ground.
Finding an entrance isn’t easy.
Jeff Stvan/Flickr A Pegasus-inspired decorative art element is above the tunnel entrance at Union Station.
This only true walkway signage is at Renaissance Tower.
Noah Jeppson/Flickr
Some food courts still try to maintain a business there.
Noah Jeppson/Flickr Although places seem to come and go.
Few people truly use them for the purpose they were designed for.
Jen R/Flickr
They would, however, work as a fallout shelter in many locations.
William Addington/Flickr
The good news is that downtown Dallas is thriving… at the street level!
Curtis Simmons/Flickr Robust tourism, open areas like Klyde Warren Park, lively restaurants and nightlife, and urban living have made Dallas a happenin’ place to live and work, even without the tunnels.
Have you explored the tunnel system in downtown Dallas? If so, tell us about it in the comments.
Noah Jeppson/Flickr
The tunnels connected many of the central business district’s skyscrapers.
The belief at the time was the tunnels would relieve downtown congestion at the street level.
The idea was considered a failure, and in recent years the city and building owners have shut down several sections. This barren section used to be filled with retail businesses.
Marty Yawnick/Flickr
Pedestrians can’t go more than a few blocks without having to come above ground.
Jeff Stvan/Flickr
A Pegasus-inspired decorative art element is above the tunnel entrance at Union Station.
Although places seem to come and go.
Jen R/Flickr
William Addington/Flickr
Curtis Simmons/Flickr
Robust tourism, open areas like Klyde Warren Park, lively restaurants and nightlife, and urban living have made Dallas a happenin’ place to live and work, even without the tunnels.
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