Planning, Design, and Construction of Road Tunnels with a Focus on Safety, Operation, and Maintenance
Best Practices and Experiences from International Projects
We warmly invite all stakeholders involved in the entire lifecycle of tunnel structures to participate in the 3rd PIARC International Conference on Road Tunnel Operation and Safety, which will be held in Kraków in 2026.
The World Road Association (PIARC), founded in 1909, has for decades been committed to advancing technical knowledge related to road tunnels. As early as 1957, a dedicated working group on tunnels was established, and since 1992, the specialized Technical Committee D.5 – “Road Tunnel Operations” has been active.
It was on the initiative of this committee that the first edition of the conference was organized in 2018 in Lyon. The event attracted great interest from experts around the globe – tunnel operators, designers, firefighters, researchers, and representatives of road administrations. The second edition followed in Granada, Spain, in 2022, where key topics included tunnel resilience to threats, crisis management, and the use of new technologies in tunnel operations.
In 2026, we will once again gather with global experts – this time in Kraków. The conference will cover the planning, design, and construction of road tunnels, with particular emphasis on safety, operation, and maintenance. We plan to present best practices and a wide range of experiences from both international and domestic (Polish) projects.
The conference bulletin n°3 is available at the link ←
The conference bulletin n°2 is available at the link ←
The conference bulletin n°1 is available at the link ←
We invite business partners to get involved in the organization of the Conference as partners.
The partnership offer is available at the following link←
Programme
DAY 1 – 30th September
08:45 WELCOME ADDRESSES
Host country addresses
PIARC welcome (Emanuela Stocchi)
ITA welcome (Andrea Pigorini)
TC 4.4 welcome (Ingo Kaundinya)
ITA COSUF welcome (Eric Premat)
09:30 Keynote – Status of tunnelling in Poland, prof. Anna Lewandowska, prof. Marek Cała
09:55 Sponsor spot – Fire Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Conditions and Requirements for Tunnel Structures, Victor Rodriguez, mcr SA
10:10 Coffee break
10:40 Session 1 – Planning and Designing for Active Mobility and Sustainability
Chair: Kate Hunt, PIARC TC4.4, Co-chair: tbc
10:40 The activities of TC4.4 Working Group 1 – Sustainability of Tunnel Operation: new approaches, Frédéric Waymel, WG1 Co-leader, PIARC TC4.4
10:50 How can active mobility be safely integrated into existing road tunnels?, Michael Potier, Magalie Escoffier, Pauline Charles
11:05 Vienna Region – Innovative energy supply solution for regional highway roads and tunnels, Rene List
11:20 Session 1 Q&A
11:30 Session 2 – Digitization of Tunnel Operations
Chair: Vicente Sebastián Alapont, PIARC TC.4.4, Co-chair: tbc
11:30 The activities of TC4.4 Working Group 3 – Digitization of Road Tunnel Design & Management, Pierre Longtin, WG3 leader, PIARC TC4.4
11:40 Development of a Digital Twin for the optimisation of tunnel operation and maintenance (DIDYMOS), Anne Lehan, Marius Nono Tamo, Götz Vollmann, Zuzan Azad
11:55 Modernising Inspection Activities, James George, Oliver Lines, Christian Perez
12:10 Improving the reliability of automatic incident detection: a safety issue for road tunnels, Severine Besson, Christophe Banos
12:25 Session 2 Q&A
12:35 Introduction to Day 1 Posters
Chair: Ingo Kaundinya, PIARC TC4.4 Chair
- Integrating Sun Glare Analysis into Tunnel Safety: A Case Study on the Western Black Sea Coastal Road, Türkiye, Ali Başak, Didem Yıldız Temiz
- Statistical Modeling of Tunnel Construction and Operational Costs under Geomechanical Variability, Fabián Torres Parrales, Julio César Pino Tarragó, Dunia Lisbet Dominguez Galvez
- Tunnel Deformations in Rocks with Swelling Clay: A Case Study of the Yunus Emre Tunnel in Türkiye, Recep Temiz, Aydın Durukan, Emine Balaban
- Innovative system to combine functionalities from tunnel and open road sections, Daniel Seewald
- Implementation of complex underground projects: Equipment works for the commissioning of the second tube of the Fréjus tunnel, Antoine Lamy
- Artificial Intelligence and Automatic Incident Detection: Enhancing Tunnel Safety through Faster, Smarter Response, Christophe Colombel, Maciej Sekula
- Tunnel Planning in Highly Urbanized Areas Using the Example of the KST IV, Tomasz Fortuna, Paweł Motyka
- Operational Safety, Resilient Maintenance, and Emergency Preparedness of Baba Aman Tunnel, Bojnourd–Qouchan Highway, Hooman Vakili, Mahdi Mighani
12:40 Sponsor spot – Traffic Management System on Roads with Tunnel Infrastructure, Marta Woławczyk, TRAX ELEKTRONIK, Jakub Piwowarczyk, APM PRO
12:55 Lunch
13:50 Session 3 – Operational resilience 1
Chair: Michael Potier, PIARC TC4.4, Co-chair: tbc
13:50 Tunnel Safety Management Systems: implementation methodology and benefits, Helene Mongeot, P. Piquerez
14:05 Sustainability in Tunnel Operations: A Holistic Approach at the Eurasia Tunnel through ESG pillars (Environmental, Social and Governance), Aşkın K. Kaptan, Cansın Uzun, Burcu Aliyazıcıoğlu, Murat Gücüyener
14:20 Testing competence in operating Road Traffic Management Centre’s tunnels in Finland, Mika Jaatinen, Tuuli Salonen
14:35 The power of immersive exercising, David Dollan, Beckie Faulkner, Kate Hunt
14:50 Session 3 Q&A
15:00 Sponsor spot – Tunnel Safety Starts with the Control Room Operator: A Multi-Layer Testing Platform for Tunnel Infrastructure Based on the Integration of the TREVO 3D Simulation, Krzysztof Jaksa, Voltar Systems
15:10 Coffee break
15:40 Panel Discussion – Dual Use of Underground Spaces
Moderator: tbc
16:40 Session 4 – Evacuation and human behaviour
Chair: Przemysław Padło, PIARC TC4.4, Co-chair: Helen Roth, Executive Director, ITA
16:40 Analysis of reaction and escape behaviour in road tunnels under consideration of group effects, Anne Lehan, Frank Leismann, Markus Jenki
16:55 Improving tunnel safety in the event of a fire using C-ITS, Christophe Banos, Christophe Dussaud, Federic Murard, Benoît Vuadelle, Badreddine Yacheur, Sandira Saniel
17:10 Session 5 Q&A
17:20 Sponsor spot
17:30 Close of day 1
20:00 Gala dinner
DAY 2 – 1st October
08:45 Day 2 Welcome (Ingo Kaundinya, PIARC TC4.4 Chair)
International Keynote speech: Tunnel safety management in a changing environment, Bernhard Kohl, PIARC TC4.4 member, Austria
09:15 Sponsor spot – AI-Enhanced Automatic Incident Detection: Improving Tunnel Safety and Operation, Sara Giolfo, Sprinx Technologies S.r.l.
09:25 Moving time
Session 5A – Planning for Geotechnical Considerations
Chair: Christian Gammeter, PIARC TC4.4, Co-chair: tbc
09:30 Impact of tunnelling and underground works on existing structures in urban space – polish experience, Tomasz Godlewski
09:45 Analysis of Geotechnical Conditions and Design Solutions for Tunnel T-3 on the S19 Expressway in the Carpathian Flysch Formation, Emilia Roguska, Moreno Pescara, Radosław Tyszkiewicz, Giovanni Quaglio
10:00 Tunnel under the Oder River in Poland, Pablo Fernández Coto, Nicola Della Valle
10:15 Session 5A Q&A
Session 5B – DG-QRAM
Chair: Juan Manuel Sanz Sacristán, PIARC TC4.4, Co-chair: tbc
09:30 DG-QRAM tool and improving project, Christophe Willmann, Raphaël Defert, Bernhard Kohl, Nikolaos Vagiokas
09:45 Proposed best practice for determination of input parameters for ADR-QRAM analysis, Matthias Lempp, Dr. Rune Brandt, Stephan Thumm, Philipp Oberender
10:00 Session 5B Q&A
10:25 Coffee break
Session 6A – Operational safety relating to New Energy Carriers
Chair: Laurie Kenny, PIARC TC4.4, Co-chair: Ciro Caliendo, PIARC TC4.4
10:55 Including new energy carriers in risk assessment, Christophe Willmann, Oliver Heger, Christina Kluge, Tom Otten, Joachim Peerlinck, Frederic Ricard, Tineke Wiersma
11:10 A study of large electric vehicles, Davide Papurello, D. Fruhwirt, R. Borchiellini
11:25 A Desk Study of the Fire Risk of Electric Vehicles based on Public Data, Arnoud Breunese, Kees Both
11:40 Modeling the risks of hydrogen buses in QRA-tunnels, estimation of probabilities of representative scenarios, Tineke Wiersma, Edgar Joinneau
11:55 Session 6A Q&A
Session 6B – Construction challenges
Chair: ITA Polska, Co-chair: Tylor Weldon, PIARC TC4.4
10:55 Design challenges in large cross-passages construction, Wojciech Primus, Nicola Della Valle, Sara Bech, Marc Molina
11:10 Fire Dynamics and Evacuation in Dead-End Tunnel Construction Scenarios: A One-Dimensional Modellin,
Baran Razieh Khaksari
11:25 Case Study of Tram Tunnel Construction in Kraków, Ewelina Woch, Tomasz Fortuna
11:40 Comparative analysis of Tunnel renewal migration strategies with a focus on operational safety, Lee Povey
11:55 Session 6B Q&A
12:05 Moving time
12:10 Introduction to Day 2 posters
Chair: Ingo Kaundinya, PIARC TC4.4 Chair
- Benefits of Photogrammetry for the Post-Fire Assessment of a Highway Tunnel, Pierre Carreaud, P. Prevost, N. Ravinel, S. Vapillon, R. Chevalier
- The Huguenot Tunnel Maintenance Works, Tiago Massingue
- Acoustic Monitoring for Road Tunnels: Measurable Benefits in Safety and Risk Assessment, Franz Graf, Mark Dobrounig, František Rainer, Rudolf Prochazka, Katharina Hoyer
- Modernization of the Tunnels Cadi and Collabos in Spain — Nicola Della Valle, Néstor Rubiralta, Wojciech Primus
12:20 Sponsor spot – Advantages of the conventional JET fans, Dusan Svehla, ZVVZ MACHINERY, a.s.
12:30 Lunch
Session 7A – Tunnel Safety Officers
Chair: Eric Premat, ITA Cosuf, Co-chair: tbc
13:30 Guideline for Safety Officers, Paul van Putten
13:45 The need for balanced preparation of all phases of incident management (tunnel fire) by all involved parties,
Frank Embert-Kreiser
14:00 Is the TSO’s mission compatible with crisis management in a tunnel?, Elodie Carlini, Pascal Blanc
14:15 Session 7A Q&A
Session 7B – Ventilation considerations
Chair: Chuljin Hwang, PIARC TC4.4, Co-chair: tbc
13:30 Optimizing Longitudinal Ventilation – Fréjus Road Tunnel Case, Jaroslaw Przeczewski, Joel Doucet
13:45 Different configurations and strategies for overpressure the emergency exits of the road tunnels, Juan Manuel Sanz Sacristán
14:00 Assessment of semi-transverse road tunnel ventilation performance using one-dimensional simulation and experimental measurements, Klaudia Zwolińska-Glądys, Marek Borowski, Izabela Furtak
14:15 Session 7B Q&A
14:25 Moving time
Session 8A – Tunnel Equipment
Chair: tbc, Co-chair: Hélène Mongeot, PIARC TC4.4
14:30 Road markings as the guiderails for safe driving in tunnels: visibility distance and contrast ratio estimates at entrances and exits, Gabrijela Ivanjko, Darko Babić, Mario Fiolić, Tomasz E. Burghardt
14:45 Localization solution for road tunnels: Enabling safe, efficient, and future-ready mobility, Radovan Prokes, Jegor Ivasko, Adam Stencek, Jiri Broz, Tomas Tichy
15:00 Session 8A/8B Q&A
15:10 Moving time
Session 8B – Operational Resilience 2
Chair: Ricardo Miranda, Co-chair: tbc
14:30 Insights into Road Tunnel Operations, He-in Cheong, Tony Peglas, Terry McGavin
14:45 Key issues and strategies for optimizing the quantitative assessment of operational resilience of road tunnels in China, Hao Ding, Wuping Ran, Qiong Lu, Jianzhong Chen, Shiqiang Deng, Zhexuan Niu
15:00 Session 8A/8B Q&A
15:10 Moving time
15:15 Sponsor spot – Real-time incident detection in tunnels using acoustic monitoring, JOANNEUM RESEARCH
15:25 Coffee break
Session 9A – Digitization and Minimum Operating Requirements
Chair: Corinne Chiodini, PIARC TC4.4, Co-chair: tbc
15:55 Development of User-Friendly Formatting of Quantitatively Measured Tunnel Minimum Operating Requirements, Sana Iwao, Yenny Gomez, Gary Clark
16:10 Minimum Operational Requirement Dashboard tool for Operational Safety of Tunnels, Ali Mahdmina, Robert Evans, Adeola Kehinde, Colin Dever, Steve Wake, Nick Crosbie, Lewis Stamper
16:25 Design and application of an underwater tunnel structural health monitoring system, Jun Huang
16:40 Session 9A Q&A
Session 9B – Refurbishment case studies
Chair: Tiago Massingue, PIARC TC4.4, Co-chair: tbc
15:55 Green River Tunnel Fire Event Abstract, David M. Moeller, Annie Kuzckowski, Isaac Anthony, Matthew Bilson
16:10 Refurbishment Heinenoordtunnel: from challenges to success, Bianca Janssen, Soer van Herk, Harry de Haan
16:25 Active Geology, Passive Management: The challenge of operating and improving tunnels in El Sillar – Bolivia, Roger Andres Cortéz Chavez
16:40 Session 9B Q&A
16:50 Moving time
16:55 Sponsor slot
17:10 Session 10 – Closing session
17:10 Closing Address
17:40 Chairman’s vote of thanks
17:45 Close of conference
DAY 3 – 2nd October
Technical Tours:
1. Łagiewniki Route in Kraków — Existing Tunnel Infrastructure
The Łagiewniki Route, with a total length of 3.5 km, is one of the most significant and technically complex elements of Kraków’s road network. Constructed between 2018 and 2022, it forms a key section of the Southern Bypass of Kraków, providing a strategic connection between the districts of Łagiewniki, Kurdwanów, Borek Fałęcki, and Zakopiańska.
The project is exceptional in terms of its underground engineering works, comprising six road tunnels and one tram tunnel, which significantly reduce the impact on the urban environment, minimize noise emissions, and enhance the aesthetic quality of the surrounding area. It is one of the most advanced tunnel infrastructure projects in Poland, integrating road and rail transport within a coherent, multi-level transport system.
08:00 / 09:00 / 10:00 / 11:00
The journey to the site will take approximately 30 minutes. The guided site visit will last up to two hours.
The entire technical tour is expected to take approximately three hours.
Participants will be divided into groups of 25 people (according to prior registration) and will be accompanied by professional guides throughout the visit.
2. S19 Expressway Tunnel near Rzeszów — Construction Site Visit
The S19 “Via Carpatia” tunnel near Rzeszów is one of the most impressive tunnel infrastructure projects currently underway in Poland. With a length of approximately 2.1 km, it is a key component of the S19 section crossing the geologically challenging terrain of the Dynów Foothills.
The tunnel has been designed as a twin-tube structure, with two separate traffic bores, enhancing both safety and traffic capacity. Its construction has required the application of advanced tunnelling technologies, including mining methods adapted to highly variable geological conditions and landslide-prone ground.
08:15 / 08:45 / 09:15 / 10:00
Travel to the site will take approximately 120 minutes. The guided tour of the construction site will last approximately one hour.
The entire technical visit is expected to take approximately five hours.
Participants will be divided into groups of 25 people (according to prior registration) and will be accompanied by professional guides throughout the visit.
Safety equipment, including helmets and high-visibility vests, will be provided on site. Participants are required to wear closed-toe footwear suitable for walking safely on an active construction site.
Terms of participation:
The conference will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kraków Hotel & Convention Center.
Address: ul. Dąbska 5, 31-572 Kraków, Poland
Location: A 4-star hotel situated in a green and quiet area, approximately 3 km from the Old Town and Wawel Castle.
Access:
From Kraków Airport (Balice) – approx. 19 km, taxi travel time approx. 20–30 minutes.
From Kraków Main Station (railway and bus station) – approx. 3 km, taxi travel time approx. 6 minutes.
By car: 50.0602° N, 19.9730° E.
Accommodation:
DoubleTree by Hilton Kraków Hotel & Convention Center
Address: ul. Dąbska 5, 31-572 Kraków, Poland
A 4-star hotel located in a green and quiet area, approximately 3 km from the Old Town and Wawel Castle.
Accomodation booking:
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/krkccdi-cpkd27-fec51380-4101-464d-951a-8db76f044d1/
Hampton by Hilton Kraków
Address: ul. Dąbska 5, 31-572 Kraków, Poland
The 3-star Hampton hotel is connected to the DoubleTree by an internal passage.
Accomodation booking:
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/krkhxhx-pkz-fa485f1a-543e-4dc6-91a9-e76419679ea2/
Registration for the conference – fees::
| Early Bird (until June 30, 2026) |
After June 30, 2026 | |
|
Regular Participant |
675 euro | 725 euro |
|
PIARC and ITA Member |
650 euro | 700 euro |
|
Speaker and TC Tunnels Members |
400 euro | 400 euro |
|
Optional Technical Tour – Kraków or Rzeszów. |
+50 euro Kraków or +100 euro Rzeszów | +50 euro Kraków or +100 euro Rzeszów |
To participate in the Forum, it is required to complete an online registration form and pay the participation fee to the Polish Road Congress’ bank account at Alior Bank S.A. no: PL58 2490 0005 0000 4600 9671 2068 no later than September 23rd , 2026.
The payment may be deferred after confirmation with the Organizer. Failure to make the payment on time is not tantamount to resignation from participation in the event. The organizer reserves the right to keep payments made less than 48 hours before the start of the event and not to grant access to the event online.
The participant may withdraw his application to the Forum at no cost by submitting a written statement by September 23rd 2026. The resignation should be sent from the address provided in the application form to the address: biuro@kongresdrogowy.pl. In case of resignation on later date, the Organizer will charge the Participant with the full cost of participation.
The organizer is not responsible for any damage or inability to join the online event caused by providing incorrect registration data, failure to perform or improper registration, failure by the user to have the appropriate equipment, software or Internet connection required to conduct the online event.
By submitting the application, you accept the Regulations for participation in conferences organized by the Polish Road Congress Association. Also you confirm that you read and accepted the rules for the processing of personal data.
Organizers:
Diamond Sponsor:
Gold Sponsor:
Silver Sponsor:
Bronze Sponsor:
Honorary patronage:
