World Tunnel Congress 2026 set for Montréal

The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) has announced that the World Tunnel Congress 2026 will take place in Montréal, Canada, from 15–21 May 2026, hosted in partnership with the Tunnelling Association of Canada.

Held annually, the WTC is the world’s largest meeting for the underground infrastructure sector, bringing together engineers, contractors, suppliers and clients from across the globe. The 2026 event will run under the theme “Connecting communities through underground infrastructure”, with a full technical programme alongside an international exhibition.

Technical sessions will cover topics directly relevant to the UK’s tunnelling and concrete sector, including:

• ground support and lining design
• precast segmental linings and waterproofing
• sprayed concrete and grouting
• excavation methods and challenges
• immersed tunnels, caverns and shafts
• monitoring, safety and long-term maintenance

“The World Tunnel Congress is the must-attend event for anyone involved in the planning, design and construction of underground space,” said the ITA in its announcement.

For the UK concrete sector, WTC2026 offers opportunities to engage with international best practice and supply chain innovation.

The exhibition will feature the latest tunnelling equipment, materials and services, while ITA Working Groups and the General Assembly will provide forums for knowledge sharing and standard-setting.

Further details and the draft programme are available via WTC2026.

Main picture caption:
WTC2026 in Montréal will showcase advances in tunnel linings, ground support and concrete technologies.