Finalists for 2024 ITA Tunnelling Awards announced

The finalists for the 2024 International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) Tunnelling Awards have been revealed, highlighting some of the most innovative and transformative projects in underground infrastructure across the globe. This year, 25 finalists have been selected from over 100 entries submitted by 19 countries, showcasing cutting-edge solutions in tunnelling and underground space projects.

The winners will be announced on 28 November during the ITA Awards Symposium in Genoa, Italy. The event is part of a two-day conference organised by the Italian Tunnelling Society (SIG), which will also celebrate the SIG's 50th anniversary.

Major Projects and Innovations
Among the finalists for the prestigious Major Project of the Year (over €500 million (£430 million)) category is New York's Grand Central Madison. This US$11.1 billion (£8.4 billion) project, completed in 2023, brings direct Long Island Rail Road access to Manhattan’s East Side, significantly increasing capacity and reducing commute times. Similarly, London's £4.5 billion Thames Tideway Tunnel, also in this category, aims to modernise the city’s Victorian sewer system by reducing sewage overflows into the River Thames by 95%.

Other significant contenders include the Chunfeng Tunnel in Shenzhen, China, which will help ease congestion in the city, and Singapore's Thomson-East Coast Line, where advanced tunnelling techniques like ground freezing were employed to manage challenging urban conditions.

Environmental and Technical Innovation
Several projects have stood out for their contributions to environmental sustainability and technical advancement. Doha’s Musaimeer Pump Station and Outfall Project is a finalist in the Project of the Year (€50-€500 million (£43-£430 million)) category for its role in improving water management and protecting against flooding.

The Technical Innovation of the Year category includes South Korea’s Disc Cutter Wear Sensor, which uses AI to monitor and predict the wear of tunnelling equipment, and Italy’s Advanced Tunnelling Assistance System (ATAS), which combines real-time data with AI to optimise tunnelling operations.

In the Product/Equipment Innovation of the Year category, China’s Ultra-Small Turning Radius TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) stands out for its ability to navigate tight underground spaces, a breakthrough in hard rock tunnelling.

Celebrating Young Talent
The Young Tunneller of the Year category recognises the next generation of tunnelling professionals. Among the finalists are Italy’s Adriano Martoccia and Luigi D’Angelo, alongside Iran’s Hanan Samadi, who is making strides in AI and machine learning for tunnelling.

Looking Forward
The ITA Awards Symposium in Genoa will not only announce the winners but also provide a platform for discussions on the future of underground construction. The event will be followed by the SIG Conference, where industry leaders will explore the latest trends and challenges facing the sector.

This year’s ITA Awards reflect the global reach and diverse applications of tunnelling technology, from city-defining infrastructure projects to advancements in AI and sustainable engineering practices.

For more details on the finalists and registration for the event, visit the ITA website.