Freeway of the future receives Australia’s top construction industry award

The M80 Ring Road Upgrade from Sydney Road to Edgars Road by CPB Contractors and Major Road Projects Victoria was announced as the winner of the 2023 Australian Construction Achievement Award (ACAA) at a major industry event in Melbourne last night.

The project has transformed one of Melbourne’s busiest freeways, providing additional capacity and improving safety for more than 165,000 drivers each day.

The upgrade team widened 5.7 kilometres of freeway; adding additional lanes, ramps, collector distributors and a smart freeway system – all in and around live traffic flows. Clever technical solutions and a strong innovation and sustainability culture saw the project completed a year ahead of schedule and under budget.

Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies said “The award is one of the highest forms of recognition for a project because it not only recognises traditional construction excellence, but also excellence in initiatives designed to make the industry a more efficient and better place to work.

“The CPB Contractors and Major Road Projects Victoria M80 project team set a new standard for diversity and inclusivity. They achieved a representation of 3.1 per cent Aboriginal employees and a leadership team comprised of 40 per cent women, while 30 per cent of the overall project workforce is also comprised of women.

“This diverse team achieved remarkable success, driven by a cohesive ‘one team’ culture that fostered collaboration and innovation from the very beginning. This culture paved the way for exceptional achievements, such as being the first freeway to incorporate recycled content in every pavement layer.”

Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO praised the finalists for responding to industry challenges to bolster the sector and continue to strive for excellence in construction.

“COVID-19 disruptions to supply chains and project schedules, economic factors and shortages of skilled personnel in key areas – engineering being one of them – have combined to challenge the sector,” Ms Madew said.

“In trying times, constructors have relied on strong and positive workplace cultures and uncompromising standards of safety and quality. They have embraced technological advances in planning, design and project management to earn their place among the stable of finalists.”

ACAA 2023 finalists

M80 Ring Road Upgrade Sydney Road to Edgars Road – Victoria

By CPB Contractors and Major Road Projects Victoria

The M80 Upgrade widened 5.7 kilometres of the M80 Ring Road between Sydney and Edgars roads, adding additional lanes, ramps, collector distributors and a smart freeway system – all in and around live traffic flows of 165,000 vehicles per day. Clever technical solutions and a strong innovation and sustainability culture saw the project completed a year ahead of schedule and $122 million under the client’s budget.

Echuca-Moama Bridge Project – Stage 3 – Victoria and New South Wales

By McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd and Major Road Projects Victoria

Consisting of construction of a second Murray River crossing between Echuca and Moama, together with a bridge over the Campaspe River, earth embankments, and flood relief bridges on the adjacent floodplains. Delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) and constructed by McConnell Dowell in both Victoria and New South Wales on the traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta people.

Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach Level Crossing Removal Project – Victoria

By Southern Program Alliance (ACCIONA Rail, WSP, Metro Trains Melbourne, and the Level Crossing Removal Project)

The Southern Program Alliance’s (SPA) Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach Level Crossing Removal Project package removed five dangerous and congested level crossings and built three new stations on the Frankston line in Melbourne’s south-east. This created safe access across the rail corridor for vehicles and pedestrians, upgraded station precinct surroundings, and improved the commuter experience on the Frankston line.

M4-M5 Link Tunnels Project (WestConnex Stage 3A) – New South Wales

By ACCIONA Samsung Bouygues Joint Venture

The M4-M5 Link Tunnels project constructed two 7.5-kilometre underground tunnels, representing a total tunnel length of 21,580m and connecting the M4 at Haberfield to the M8 at St Peters and integration into the whole of WestConnex Integration Operation and Management Control System (IOMCS). The project involved Excavation, Civil and Mechanical and Electrical (M&) work over three main sites including the construction and energisation of six substations and two low point sumps and construction of surface ventilation buildings, cut and cover structures, local roadworks and a Water Treatment Plant.

M80 Ring Road Upgrade Sydney Road to Edgars Road – Victoria

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 Infrastructure Contract – New South Wales

By Parramatta Connect (CPB Contractors Downer EDI Works Joint Venture)

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 connects Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD, with a two-way track spanning 12 kilometres long, including 5 kilometres within the existing Carlingford and Sandown Lines, along with 16 fully accessible stations and 12 new or refurbished bridges. It is expected to commence services in 2024. Parramatta Connect delivered the Infrastructure works package of the project.

Parramatta Square Precinct – 3, 4, 6&8 Parramatta Square & PHIVE Parramatta Square – New South Wales

By Built in JV with Obayashi

Built (in JV with Obayashi) was engaged by Walker Corporation and Parramatta Council to deliver one of Australia’s largest urban regeneration projects including four commercial towers, civic hub and public domain for the new $2.8 billion Parramatta Square precinct. Establishing Parramatta as Sydney’s second CBD, the works included commercial/retail builds and fitouts, interconnecting basement, integrated transport access and public domain works.

Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment – New South Wales

By John Holland Group

This world class entertainment venue seating up to 42,500 people was designed for the fans. Offering visitors and patrons an optimal entertainment experience, its enhanced design enables accessibility, safety, sightlines and operational efficiencies.

Further details about the winner, finalists and the ACAA are available on the Australian Constructors Association Award website.

Media enquiries

Lisa McKoy, Engineers Australia National Media Manager
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Megan Anderson, Australian Constructors Association Head of Media and Communications
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