U.S. Tunneling Professionals Convene in Dallas at RETC 2025

Tunneling professionals from across the country – and around the world – gathered in Dallas June 8-11 for the 2025 Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference (RETC). RETC is the longest-running and largest tunneling event in North America, bringing together all aspects of the industry for technical sessions, networking and an exhibition hall showcasing approximately 200 of the industry’s most innovative companies. Additionally, pre-event short courses and a post-event field trip were available. The event drew approximately 1,400 people.

Another highlight of the conference was the presentation of the now annual Underground Construction Association of SME (UCA) awards, previously presented biennially as part of the North American Tunneling Conference (NAT). The award winners were:

UCA Lifetime Achievement Award – David R. Klug, President, David R. Klug & Associates, Inc.

The UCA Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to a professional who has made an indelible mark on the industry. David R. Klug has brought enthusiasm, leadership and extensive contributions to the advancement of tunneling and underground construction industry practices. He has continuously demonstrated his dedication to fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and educating industry practitioners and owners, both internationally and here in the USA.

UCA Muddy Boots Award – David Dorfman, Tunneling Construction Manager, Walsh Construction Company

The Muddy Boots Award was created to recognize field supervisors able to implement efficient work operations, mentor future leaders, provide high quality work, and demonstrate a record of fostering a strong safety culture. This year, David Dorfman receives the Muddy Boots Award for his dedication, contributions and leadership in the tunneling and underground construction industry.

UCA Outstanding Educator Award – Youssef Hashash, Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Outstanding Educator Award is presented to Youssef Hashash for his outstanding research, design, and mentorship contributions to the understanding of the interaction of underground structures with their surroundings.

UCA Person of the Year – Sanja Zlatanic, Chair – National Tunnel Practice, HNTB

In recognition of exceptional contributions and leadership to the tunneling and underground construction industry and efforts in promoting its global significance and development, Sanja Zlatanic is honored as the Person of the Year.

UCA Project of the Year – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Yellow Line Tunnel Rehabilitation Project – Kiewit Infrastructure Co.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Yellow Line Tunnel Rehabilitation Project included updating two 40-year-old tunnels about 3,000 feet in length. The work involved rehabilitating the steel-lined structure to provide structural support for the existing tunnel and restoring the structural integrity of the tunnel and extending its useful life for at least another 50 years. Congratulations to Kiewit Infrastructure Co. and WMATA.

UCA Young Member Award – Luis Augusto Avila, Assistant Vice President – Geotechnical and Tunnel Engineering, WSP USA

This year, we recognize Luis Augusto Avila with the UCA Young Member Award for outstanding achievements and contributions in his early career to both the industry and the Underground Construction Association. Luis pursues excellence in all he takes on.

RETC 2027 will take place in New Orleans, June 27-30, 2027. NAT 2026 is scheduled for June 15-18, 2026, in Anaheim, California.