The New Bridgewater Bridge project in Tasmania claimed the 2025 Australian Construction Achievement Award (ACAA) in August. Presented by the Australian Constructors Association and Engineers Australia, the award recognises not just engineering and construction excellence, but also how projects are reshaping sustainability, workforce capability and social impact across the industry.
By Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association.
Delivered by McConnell Dowell for the Tasmanian Government, the $786 million bridge is a 1.28-kilometre feat of modern engineering, connecting key freight and passenger routes. It includes two new interchanges, seven upgraded intersections and a dedicated shared path for cyclists and pedestrians.
Judges were impressed by the project’s technical sophistication and its contribution to local communities. Innovative piling techniques, protection of fragile wetlands and aquatic habitats, and community consultation to address cultural heritage issues were all highlighted as standouts.
The use of a temporary bridge and barge-based causeway, combined with extensive stakeholder engagement, enabled the team to overcome some of the project’s toughest challenges.
A purpose-built precast facility on site produced more than 1,000 match-cast segments – each weighing up to 90 tonnes – ensuring quality and efficiency despite pandemic disruptions. Meanwhile, a ‘local first’ procurement strategy delivered an 85 per cent Tasmanian workforce, driving jobs and capability across the state.
Chair of the independent judging panel, Tanya Cox, described the contest as fiercely competitive: “The decision on the winner was unanimous – but make no mistake, it was a photo finish. Every finalist pushed boundaries and set new benchmarks for the industry.”
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Now in its 28th year, the ACAA was announced at a black-tie gala in Brisbane, held as part of the Foundations and Frontiers forum. Its status is exemplified by the iconic industry brands that each year sponsor the award. In 2025, the award was supported by Caterpillar, Cbus Super, Gallagher, InEight, InfraBuild and Pinsent Masons.
The seven finalists represented some of the best of Australian construction, from major rail upgrades in Perth and Melbourne to a hospital redevelopment in Adelaide and Sydney’s transformative Gateway project.
Together, they showcase the extraordinary capability and ambition of an industry building the nation’s future.