ACCIONA, a global infrastructure and renewable energy group, has been awarded Australia’s most prestigious infrastructure award for the execution of the Legacy Way tunnel in Brisbane.

Infrastructure Partnerships Australia (IPA), the leading forum for the construction industry, named the A$1.5 billion tunnel  “Project of the Year” in recognition of its financial, advisory, contractor and government partnership excellence.

The ACCIONA-led Transcity joint venture, which also includes Ghella of Italy and Brisbane-based BMD, is nearing completion of the 4.6km twin tunnel, which has broken world records for daily, weekly and monthly tunnelling speeds during construction.

“Our approach at Legacy Way has been for continuous innovation across all stages of project delivery - from design through to tunnelling excavation, mechanical and electrical fit out and commissioning of the project,” said Fernando Fajardo, Director of ACCIONA Infrastructure Australia, who is also Project Director for the Brisbane tunnel.

'Legacy Way's real legacy is that it has permanently changed Australia's approach to tunnelling projects,' Brendan Lyon, IPA Chief Executive, said. 'Legacy Way has used world-leading tunnelling technologies that are now being applied to other projects across the East Coast, including the North West Rail Link in Sydney.'

One of the benefits of Australia’s open infrastructure market, Mr Lyon added, is the entry of new companies from across the world, bringing with them “cutting edge” approaches to infrastructure.

IPA awards celebrate the innovation and excellence of Australia’s public and private sectors in the delivery of infrastructure.

ACCIONA has been present in Australia since 2002 with major infrastructure, water and renewable energy projects. 

Congratulations to Legacy Way - 2015 Project of the Year @AllensLegal @brisbanecityqld @EYnews @NAB @acciona BMD Constructions & Ghella

— IPA - Infrastructure (@InfraPshipAust) March 25, 2015