Book excerpt: This publication includes papers from the North American Tunneling 2004 conference, sponsored by the American Underground Construction Association. The theme of the conference is "Underground Construction - the Sensible Solution to Urban Problems" to reflect the increasing importance of locating urban facilities in the United States underground for enhanced security, to build critical infrastructure where it is needed and to improve the function of urban areas. The papers are grouped in four major themes: - Management of Underground Projects - Public Policy and Underground Projects - Advances in Technology - Case Studies: Trials, Tribulation and Triumphs in Tunneling This work should benefit everyone involved in any aspect of infrastructure, tunneling and underground construction.