The "mega project" recently won the Australian Construction Achievement Award, struck by industry peak bodies the Australian Constructors Association and Engineers Australia.

Thiess John Holland general manager of operations Don Johnson said the award was one of the most coveted in the construction industry. "At the time we did it, it was the largest road infrastructure project in Australia and it was completed five months ahead of the contract date."

Chairman of the ACAA judging panel Professor Archie Johnstonsaid EastLink was "

an outstanding project in a number of areas, including technical composition and design.

"The design team and construction team looked as if they got on with job and took on board all issues, including safety. They got the job done ahead of time and on budget.

"The number of different environments the road went to was varied from flat to hilly and the environmental challenges were significant."

The $2.5billion, 45-kilometre project required more than 7million cubic metres of excavation and earthworks, 1.3million tonnes of asphalt, 2million square metres of pavement, 88 bridges and 17 interchanges, two tunnels, as well as the upgrading of four railway stations and the protection of the Mullum Mullum Valley.

Environmental features included planting 3.7million indigenous plants, creation of 60 wetlands, realignment and improvement of existing creeks, best practice stormwater management, and 39kilometres of shared-use trails and pedestrian overpasses.

ConnectEast and Thiess John Holland were recognised for excellence and innovation in the design and delivery of EastLink. The project was recognised for its focus on customers, stakeholders and the environment, and delivery ahead of time and on budget.