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$850,000 boost for Lardner Rd safety

After a high number of casualty crashes, Lardner Rd in Drouin is set for an $850,000 safety upgrade.

Baw Baw Shire announced the road widening, guardrail installation and warning sign works would start between January and March after securing a state government grant.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the $210 million "Safer Local Roads and Streets Program" helped councils identify, plan and deliver projects to keep drivers, cyclists and pedestrians safe.
Ms Horne said the state government would provide up to $2 million to each of the 79 councils across the state to fund safety improvements until mid-2027.
"Working alongside Victoria's councils, we're delivering important upgrades on local roads today, so our communities are safer into the future," she said.
Baw Baw Shire chief executive officer Mark Dupe reported yesterday that the $858,000 Lardner Rd project had been officially approved and funded as part of the "Safer Local Roads and Streets Program".
Mr Dupe is hopeful council can develop other projects in conjunction with the TAC, saying council would will make further applications in January for the remainder of Baw Baw's potential allocation.
"This site (Lardner Rd) was chosen as it continues to have a high number of casualty crashes," he explained.
"The project includes isolated pavement widening and sealing, additional guardrail, and additional delineation, including warning signs and line marking. Some speed limit reductions are also being considered."
Mr Dupe said the $858,000 grant covered the full cost of the project.
Whilst council will deliver the works, it will not be required to contribute funding.
TAC chief executive officer Tracey Slatter said the "Safer Local Roads and Streets Program" represents a collaborative approach to road safety, "working together towards a safe environment for all road users".
It is backed by the government's 2030 road safety strategy targets. These aim to halve road deaths, reduce serious injury and, ultimately, achieve zero trauma by 2050.
Local government authorities own and operate 87 per cent of Victoria's roads, and every year about 40 per cent of road trauma occurs on council-managed roads.

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