An ITA spokesman said, "With the growth of infrastructure needs and the requirement for better use of space and resources, the development of underground options has often produced effective solutions to these challenges.

"As part of this endeavour, the ITA has taken the initiative to launch its own dedicated Tunnelling Awards to recognise outstanding achievements in the field of tunnelling and underground space use, and provide international recognition to these remarkable contributions."

The ITA announced that it had identified nine categories of awards for which candidates can register online. The categories cover projects of various sizes, as well as technical, environmental and safety initiatives put into place.

Website submissions will be possible between 10 April and 14 August at awards.ita-aites.org.