Underground Construction Association

Take part in the most innovative tunneling conference of the year and meet industry professionals leading the way in technology and process development. Cutting Edge 2026 brings the tunneling community together for two days of single-track technical sessions, global keynotes, and field trips. Stay sharp.

Register by September 24 to save. Register here: www.ucaofsmecuttingedge.com

If you love a good read (and by that, we mean rock slope stability, tunneling history, or the details of rock tunneling), you’re in the right place.

In honor of National Book Lover’s Day, enjoy 20% off all UCA books, eBooks, and bundles. Whether you're sharpening your expertise, mentoring the next generation, or solving tomorrow’s challenges, there’s something here to move your work forward.

Browse industry titles and save through August 15 when you use code BookLover26 at checkout: https://tinyurl.com/2pf9vtd6

If you have been interested in a career in underground engineering, the UCA is offering a great opportunity by sponsoring ten students to attend the Cutting Edge Conference through attendance scholarships.

From November 9-11, 2026, the Cutting Edge Conference is where tunneling and underground construction professionals gather to explore what's next in advances in tunneling technology.

Apply by October 4 for consideration. Only 10 spaces are available, so don't delay: https://tinyurl.com/4e7uezpf

Maria Chastka is the program chair of the UCA Cutting Edge Conference this November 9-11, 2026 in Arlington, VA. Explore what it takes to tip over into success in all areas of underground construction from implementation, process change, AI and machine learning, safety, sustainability, and workforce growth.

Hear how advances in tunneling technology take center stage at Cutting Edge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC_07AptxUY

Hear from the 2026 Cutting Edge Program Chair Maria Chastka is the program chair of the UCA Cutting Edge Conferen...

Advances in tunneling technology take center stage November 9-11 in Arlington, VA.

Cutting Edge 2026 brings the tunneling community together for two days of single-track technical sessions, global keynotes, and field trips. Stay sharp. This conference is a great opportunity to learn about the next generation of underground construction projects in North America and meet the owners building them.

Register here: www.ucaofsmecuttingedge.com

Congratulations to Ahmed Ibrahim for receiving an honorable mention in the UCA Media Contest!

This photo exhibits a TBM of Hassan Allam Company at the Cairo Metro Line 4 in Egypt.

View the other winners- https://www.smenet.org/uca/professional-development/awards-competitions/uca-media-contest/2026-uca-photo-winners

Tunneling technology is advancing fast, and the professionals leading the way will be in Arlington, VA, this November. Registration is now open to join the industry on November 9-11, 2026, for the Cutting Edge Conference, where tunneling and underground construction professionals gather to explore the next advances in tunneling technology.

Register here: www.ucaofsmecuttingedge.com

Missed the NAT 2026 Welcoming Luncheon?
Now you can watch the featured presentation,"Los Angeles Metro Tunneling: Past, Present, and Future," delivered by Matthew Crow, Deputy Executive Officer at Los Angeles Metro, and Amanda Elioff, Senior Project Manager at WSP. Watch the recording: https://tinyurl.com/4r8aep8h

Los Angeles Metro Tunneling Past, Present, and Future | NAT 2026 Welcoming Luncheon Over the last forty years, the Los Angeles Metro has constructed five underground rail transit lines through challenging soil conditions beneath the dense metro