State winners in AIPM Project Management Achievement Awards 2024

The owner and operator of EastLink (ConnectEast) and Beca have together been announced as the Victorian state winners of the prestigious Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) Project Management Achievement Award (Construction/Engineering Projects).

This recognition was awarded for the major multi-year project to resurface EastLink.

EastLink, a critical motorway connecting Melbourne’s Eastern, Monash, Frankston and Peninsula Link Freeways, has been the only major north-south transport artery in Melbourne’s east since its opening in 2008.

With up to 250,000 vehicles using the 39-kilometre tollway daily, the need for regular maintenance to ensure safety and efficiency is paramount.

After a billion trips across its surface, EastLink’s original open grade asphalt (OGA) surface had reached its lifespan, necessitating a major resurfacing project.

In November 2019, ConnectEast engaged Beca, an engineering and project management consultancy, together with delivery partner Downer Group (Downer), to lead the $50 million resurfacing project, which was fully funded by ConnectEast with no government funding required.

The project’s primary goal was to replace the ageing surface with minimal disruption to motorists while maintaining the road's smoothness—a key feature for which EastLink is renowned.

The project's complexity was heightened by several challenges, including the need to work within specific seasonal windows due to the specialized nature of the OGA surface. Construction work was limited to overnight hours between 8pm and 5am to ensure that EastLink remained fully operational during day times and peak periods.

Despite these challenges, the project was completed ahead of schedule in March 2024, with outstanding safety records and minimal impact on road users.

Beca, ConnectEast and Downer’s commitment to quality and innovation was integral to the project’s success.

The new surface, expected to last over 15 years, continues to provide a smooth and safe driving experience for motorists in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement,” said Murray Keen, General Manager for road operations and maintenance at ConnectEast. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams and partners, who have ensured that EastLink remains one of Australia’s safest and most efficient motorways.”

Hamish Scott, Project Superintendent at Beca, added, “This project exemplifies the power of collaboration and meticulous planning in overcoming challenges and delivering a world-class outcome.”

The recognition from AIPM underscores the excellence of the EastLink resurfacing project and its contribution to Melbourne's infrastructure.

As the winner of the state award, ConnectEast and Beca will now be in contention for the national title, further cementing their roles as leaders in the field of construction and engineering project management.

Find out more about the EastLink resurfacing project.

The following TV news report (6/3/2024) about the completion of the EastLink resurfacing project is courtesy of 9News. Video and images of EastLink resurfacing works provided by Downer.