ITA World Tunnel CoNGRess 2027

Underground Creativity to Meet Societal Needs
Join us in Antwerp Belgium the 23-29 April 2027

Days

Hours

Minutes

ITA World Tunnel Congress 2027

Full Paper Submission Deadline 10 Oct 2026 23:59 CEST

Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract to ITA World Tunnel Congress 2027!
Authors are now invited to prepare and submit their full paper.

Full Paper Submission

Click here for the paper submission guidelines and templates.

Best Paper Award

Would you like to be considered for the Best Paper Award? Give your consent when submitting your full paper.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Looking to showcase your brand to the forefront of tunnelling innovation?

Partner with us and connect with leading professionals.

Exhibitors

Step into the spotlight and present your solutions to a global tunnelling audience.

Congress topics

T1-6 - Advancements in design, engineering & construction technologies

Advancements in underground construction are significantly influenced by ongoing research and development of new technologies, alongside with strong collaboration between all project participants and the users. Through continuous R&D and effective teamwork, the industry can achieve enhanced performance and reliability.

T1 - Conventional tunnelling
T2 - Mechanized tunnelling, including micro-tunnelling & directional drilling
T3 - Immersed Tunnels
T4 - Complex underground storage or research facilities
T5 - Investigations and ground characterisation
T6 - Instrumentation and monitoring

T7 - Sustainable & resilient underground construction

Sustainable and resilient underground construction focuses on minimising environmental impact while ensuring long-term durability and adaptability. Efficient resource use, innovative design approaches, and robust construction methods contribute to tunnels and underground spaces that can withstand changing conditions and future demands.

Sustainability also extends to the people who shape our industry. This topic therefore welcomes contributions that address diversity, equity and inclusion in tunnelling and underground construction, recognising that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to building a resilient industry for the future.

T8 - Urban underground development & innovative uses of underground spaces

Urban underground development is increasingly seen as a solution to growing cities facing limited surface space. By utilising the underground environment, cities can create multi-functional spaces that support urban growth, enhance sustainability, provide secure storage, and improve quality of life, while reducing congestion and minimising the impact on the natural landscape.

T9 - Safety and risk mitigation

Minimising hazards, enhancing structural integrity, and improving emergency preparedness. Advances in design, construction methods, and operational strategies help reduce risks for workers and users. Improved safety standards, regulatory frameworks, and proactive risk management approaches ensure that tunnels remain secure, resilient, and reliable throughout their lifecycle.

T10 - Lifecycle management: Operation, inspection, monitoring and refurbishments

As cities evolve, repurposing existing underground spaces offers sustainable and cost-effective solutions for modern infrastructure needs. Advances in engineering, materials, and architect’s involvement enable the seamless integration of existing structures with new functions, unlocking full potential of underground infrastructure and minimising environmental impact.

T11 - Digital transformation & smart tunnelling solutions

The integration of digital technologies in tunnelling is revolutionising project delivery. Solutions like BIM, digital twins, IoT and AI optimise the works, ensuring that underground infrastructure meets the demands of future urbanisation and transportation networks.

T12 - Economic viability: financing, cost- optimization, and long-term value

This topic explores financial strategies for tunnel projects, including financing models, contract models, cost management, and lifecycle investment returns. It examines how to balance initial construction costs with long-term operational efficiency to ensure economic sustainability.

The ITA World Tunnel Congress in numbers

abstracts

800 +

exhibitors & sponsors

100 +

visitors

1800 +

countries

40 +

News & Updates

see all our other news

Westerscheldetunnel: Europe’s longest bored road tunnel in soft soil

Opened in 2003, the 6.6 km Westerscheldetunnel in the Netherlands requires permanent concrete repairs after two decades of operation. Scheduled to start in January 2027, the complex restoration involves managing heavy works alongside continuous single-tube traffic flow. WTC2027 Antwerp delegates can visit the live project during a technical tour on April 29.

Muir Wood Lecturer Eivind Grøv: Pushing the Limits of Tunnelling

With more than four decades of experience in tunnelling and underground space, Eivind Grøv has shaped projects, research and industry thinking around the world. Ahead of delivering the Muir Wood Lecture at ITA WTC2027, he shares his experiences, insights and vision for the future of the industry in this interview.

Full Paper Submission Portal Now Open

The full paper submission portal for the ITA World Tunnel Congress 2027 Antwerp is now open. We now invite authors whose abstracts have been accepted or provisionally accepted to prepare and submit their full papers by 10 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Mark Your Calendar

SEE THE KEY DATES

10 Oct 2026 - Full paper submission deadline

Last day to submit your full paper for consideration at the congress.

14 Dec 2026 - Full paper notification of acceptance

Authors will be informed of the Scientific Committee’s decision regarding their full paper submission.

15 Jan 2027 - Full Paper Revision Deadline

Revised papers must be submitted by the stated deadline. After this date, no further changes can be made, so please ensure your final version is uploaded on time.

15 Jan 2027 - Early Bird registration deadline

Thanks to our supporters of the Local
Organising Committee