The Chicago Sewers: Pershing Sidewalk Tunnel (Gallery 26)

Pershing is 3900 S.

These are photos taken on Pershing Road, going west to east.

Extra photo: February 5, 2010 2:09 p.m.

You know, this vertical tunnel looks dangerous. Don't those steps look like they'll easily be break and cut in half? And then fall straight down?

2:25 p.m. But this is the tunnel I went down!

And the view down.

February 6, 2010 10:19 p.m. It was on a sidewalk, rather than in the middle of the road. And also, the street lights were out. So I took advantage of that!

10:20 p.m. This is the view down another manhole. I didn't take the photo of the manhole cover but that's not important.

10:23 p.m. And now I go down this sewer!

10:24 p.m. There was a loud sound, like of a waterfall, and it was to my left (when down with back facing steps).

This is the view to the left, where the waterfall sound was coming from.

10:28 p.m.

10:29 p.m.

10:28 p.m. And this is the view to the right.

10:30 p.m.

10:29 p.m. But at the left, the tunnel was structured so that I could walk left, probably to the waterfall.

As I left the sewer and peaked my head to the top, you'll never guess what car instantly passed me! The Chicago Police Department! Or at least, a Chicago Police car, but, remember, the manhole cover is to the sidewalk, and the street lights were out (like a power outage or something). However, I knew someone that lived around 6 blocks from that area. He said it was common/often/normal that there were no street lights. I go "Shit, I better run up and close the lid in case that squad car makes a U-turn coming back."

As I continued what would be "left," I came across this moonfaced-manhole that the sound was coming out of.

10:33 p.m.

10:32 p.m. Here is the view down.

And here is a 5-second video of what it sounds like!