6/08/25: Tasmania’s largest ever transport infrastructure project – the new Bridgewater Bridge – has taken out the 2025 Australian Construction Achievement Award (ACAA), the construction industry’s most coveted prize.

Presented by the Australian Constructors Association and Engineers Australia, the award recognises not only engineering and construction excellence, but how projects are advancing sustainability, workforce capability and social impact across the industry.

Delivered by McConnell Dowell for the Tasmanian Government, the 1.28-kilometre bridge connects key freight, and passenger routes and includes two new interchanges, seven intersection upgrades and a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians.

Judges praised the project’s technical complexity, sustainable practices and local economic benefits, noting its innovative piling approach, protection of ecologically sensitive wetlands, and deep community consultation to manage cultural heritage considerations.

“The project successfully overcame considerable technical and environmental challenges, including highly variable ground conditions, ecologically sensitive wetlands and aquatic habitats and significant cultural heritage issues through extensive consultation. These were managed through the use of a temporary bridge and barge-based causeway as well as extensive stakeholder consultation,” the judges said.

A purpose-built precast facility on site enabled efficient and defect-free construction of more than 1,000 match-cast segments – weighing up to 90 tonnes each – keeping the project on track despite pandemic disruptions. Judges also commended the project’s “local first” procurement strategy and 85 per cent Tasmanian workforce.

Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies said the project redefines modern bridge building: “This is a world-class example of innovation and collaboration under pressure – delivered on time and on budget through a pandemic, with meaningful outcomes for workers, communities and the environment,” said Mr Davies.

Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO said the project reflects the profession at its best: “Bridgewater Bridge is proof of what Australian engineering can achieve – local expertise, world-class design and real impact for the community. said Ms Madew.

Chair of the judging panel, Tanya Cox, said, “The decision on the winner was unanimous—but make no mistake, it was a photo finish. Only the smallest of margins separated the projects. Every finalist pushed the boundaries and set new benchmarks for the industry.”

Now in its 28th year, the ACAA was announced at a black-tie gala in Brisbane, held as part of the Foundations and Frontiers industry forum.

ACAA Finalists:

  • METRONET Morley – Ellenbrook Line | Laing O’Rourke Public Transport Authority (PTA) | Perth, WA
  • Pakenham Level Crossing Removal Project (Pakenham LXRP) | North Western Program Alliance (Level Crossing Removal Project, John Holland, Metro Trains Melbourne, Kellogg Brown Root (KBR)) | Pakenham, VIC
  • South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication Project |DT Infrastructure | South Geelong, VIC
  • Sydney Gateway Stage 1 and 3 | John Holland and Seymour Whyte Constructions Joint Venture | Sydney, NSW
  • The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Stage 3 Redevelopment | Built Environs Pty Ltd | Woodville, SA
  • The New Bridgewater Bridge | Mc Connell Dowell Constructors (Aus) | Hobart, TAS
  • Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project | Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (Public Transport Authority of Western Australia, ACCIONA, B.M.D Constructions, WSP Australia, AECOM Australia) | Perth, WA

More information: https://acaa.net.au