04 April 2008
Melbourne, 4 April 2008: Australia's newest tollway, Eastlink, continues to receive recognition for its innovation and enhancement of Melbourne's road network, adding to what has been an excellent experience for national law firm Clayton Utz as legal advisors to the project.
The 39 kilometre motorway, which on completion mid year will connect Victoria's Monash, Eastern and Frankston Freeways, was recently awarded the Project of the Year at the second Annual Infrastructure Oration and National Infrastructure Awards organised by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.
The award, presented by the Premier of Victoria the Hon. John Brumby MP, recognised the project for its "focus on customers, stakeholders and the environment, and delivery ahead of time and on-budget".
Led by Melbourne partner Marko Misko, the Clayton Utz Major Projects team advised the Southern and Eastern Integrated Transport Authority (SEITA) on the $3.8 billion development. This included the developmental and contracting stages, the tender process, the concession deed, project scope, construction and technical requirements.
Other members of the project team included Brad Vann, Steve Murray, Naomi Kelly, Sallyanne Everett, Joanne Daniels and a host of lawyers from across the firm.
The head of Clayton Utz' Major Projects team, Doug Jones, said he was proud the firm was able to bring its significant experience in advising on major infrastructure projects in Australia to such a well-regarded project as Eastlink.
"Eastlink is one of the largest PPPs ever carried out in Australia and it is fantastic to see that industry has given this project the recognition it deserves. The Eastlink motorway is going to make a significant difference to the daily lives of many Melbourne residents," he said.
EastLink is the largest urban road project ever constructed in the State of Victoria and will include a 40 kilometre link between Mitcham and Frankston, twin 1.5 kilometre tunnels, a link to the Ringwood Bypass, 16 interchanges and over 90 bridges.
