There are secret tunnels along the entire length of the Kansas Turnpike that most drivers don't know exist. These bunkers and tunnels could also be lifesavers.

They are storm shelters and are publicly accessible anytime there's a threat of a tornado or severe hail. Adjacent to toll plazas are smaller shelters, like in the photo above, that are intended to hold up to 15 people, including toll attendants as well as motorists. At service plazas the tunnels are much more extensive and serve as walkways for staff around the plaza on an everyday basis and only as a storm shelter when needed.

21 of the shelters along the Turnpike are underground bunkers and tunnels.

Kansas Turnpike Tunnel Videos

While the tunnels aren't truly secret, they are considered not well known, likely that's why there are lots of news stories covering them. This reporter for Fox4 Kansas City says just that as she introduces a walkthrough of the tunnels as a 'little known secret of the Kansas Turnpike. This video showcases a larger tunnel, the kind found a service areas rather than the smaller tollgate shelters.

The Kansas Turnpike itself has put out informational videos showcasing the tunnels and shelters.

Get our free mobile app

This video shows the capacity of the smaller shelters with about 15 people able to fit. Watch them pile in 'clown car style.

[h/t Roadgeekery on Facebook]

More Tunnel Lore

Leading Theories About D.B. Cooper and 30 other unsolved mysteries

Thanks to the American fascination with confounding unsolved cases, mystery is among the most popular genres of books, movies, and television. From heists and capers to murders and robberies, the world’s greatest unsolved mysteries spark media frenzies that grab headlines around the globe. Some cases compel so much public intrigue that the facts and theories surrounding them become the basis of books, movies, plays, and documentaries decades or even centuries after the cases go cold.

Scroll through for unsolved murders and missing persons from across America.

Unsolved Murders of Amarillo, Texas

These are the unsolved murders of Amarillo, Texas.

If you have any information or if you know something, call Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400. 

12 Unsolved Mysteries Plaguing Texas Families

Washington State Patrol's Most Pressing Missing Persons Cases

Explore More Missing Persons Cases

Scroll through to examine missing persons unsolved cases from across America.

Get our free mobile app

Northern Colorado's Most Puzzling Cold Cases

Gone for Years: New Jersey's Longest-Missing People

These 40 Children Went Missing In Michigan In 2020 & Have Not Been Found

 

More From Retro 102.5