Subterranean Exploration

[Earth_First]

I had an opportunity to infiltrate the abandoned Erie Canal aqueduct turned rapid transit subway in 1927 in Rochester, N.Y. recently...

The following images were captured during the exploration:

[Celebration]

1. Speechless

I want to hear about the "infiltration". That's about as spooky sounding as the photos are. That graffiti is about the best I have seen..............

[Earth_First]

4. It was interesting...

The aquaduct itself is under Broad Street in the middle of downtown Rochester. It's busy downtown, so to avoid detection it's a quick hop over a steel security fence in place (for general publilc viewing from a distance) and a scramble down an eight foot tall steampipe to 'ground' level. Generally, from what I gather it is often overlooked, but there is a bit of underground utility construction going on in the western portion of the tunnels, so I imagine I could have faced criminal trespass in the worst case scenario.

The main terminal portion of the transit is an amazing cavernous waiting area under City Hall with two tracks and stairs to the surface which have long been walled off.

I found boxes upon boxes of newspapers dating back to the 1970's along bricked off loading docks, I imagine this may have been from Gannett Newspapers. Lot's of railroad affiliated debris, a huge pile of railroad timbers that look as though they've been attempted to be set on fire.

In the eastern portion of the tunnels, there is a passageway that goes fourty or so feet into the wall, and up a flight of steps to a heavy, locked steel door. A little research and I found that this leads to the basement archives of the Central Library.

And dust. Holy dust! Even with a dust mask on, my lungs hurt for a period afterwards.

Unfortunately, I only brought my P&S on this trip due to the amount of scrambling and dust.

I definately want to hit this place up again. There are literally hundreds more shot that could potentially be taken here...

[Celebration]

12. love this story

Exciting!

[bluedigger]

2. Those are really good!

You did a great job capturing some excellent hidden art!

[Callalily]

3. Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!!!

I kept scrolling and scrolling and scrolling, and was amazed at each and every one of your shots!

Difficult to choose but five, six and ten are my favorites!

What a rare and privileged opportunity you had!

Thank you so much for documenting and sharing.

[Earth_First]

5. Thank you...

It was alot of fun!

[Mira]

6. I'm impressed and out of my mind. I don't get envious easily, but that's how

I feel. I want to find treasures like that too. I can just imagine how much more there is. Next time you will be an old hand at what to take and how to sneak in.
Thanks for the entire experience, explanation and photos.
A real treat, thank you!

[NV Whino]

7. Wow

Fabulous graffiti. Thanks for the tour.

[CC]

8. Wow, these are wonderful.

Not sure I would be brave enough (and physically well enough) to even try but I'm so happy you did. If you go again be careful.

[alfredo]

9. What a find! Future archeologist will love digging this up.

[Solly Mack]

10. Those are outstanding!

I especially love the catwalk



My husband shoots/collects photos (his own) of graffiti and he's going to be so jealous when I show him yours.

[postatomic]

11. Can I come along next time? I'll buy lunch

What a treasure. So many of the great underground places have been sealed. I'd love to go to the Paris underground (the non-tourist part).

Thank you for this. Really enjoyed it.

Isn't it fun? A little scary, a little wonderful, and a great photo adventure. It's like venturing into an alien world.