Tunnels create unique design, construction, and protection challenges in preventing, mitigating, and responding to fires, vehicle or hazardous materials accidents, and now terrorist attacks.

On Nov. 16-17, for the first time in the United States, North American and European experts will convene in Greenbelt, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C., to discuss tunnel safety and security.

This symposium will offer an opportunity to explore and learn about improving security of mass transit systems, active and passive fire protection systems for tunnels and passenger trains, emergency ventilation strategies for highway tunnels, and emergency preparedness plans for tunnels.

The first-day keynote speakers will be James Burns, New York State Fire Administration who will address new challenges in protecting tunnels, and Dr. Bernd Thamm, a member of the EU Commission, speaking on the European response to road tunnel safety.

The Symposium is jointly sponsored by the NI2 Center for Infrastructure Expertise, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, SP Swedish National Testing and Research Institute, the U. S. Federal Highway Administration, and the National Association of State Fire Marshals.

To register for the symposium, go to www.ni2cie.org. For more information, contact: Julie Proulx (jproulx@ni2.org) or Jane Donovan (jdonovan@ni2.org), or call 603-766-3390.