By Helen Tatchell<\/p>\n
Towards Zero is a plan to achieve fewer than 200 deaths by 2020 and reduce serious injuries by 15% on Victoria\u2019s roads, with the State government investing $1.4 billion into the campaign.
\nOne of the projects, as part of Towards Zero is works to improve the surface along Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Rd around the Balliang East area and was scheduled for completion by June 2019. However, works have stopped and not due to commence until mid-September.
\nA statement by Regional Roads Victoria said the works, between Peak School Road and Granite Road on Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road, will be on hold during winter, due to cold and wet conditions between Monday 15 July and mid-September 2019.
\n\u201cWe have experienced delays to excavation works from heavy rainfall, which delayed our anticipated completion date of mid-2019.
\n\u201cSealing works will recommence once more favourable weather conditions permit after mid-September,\u201d the statement read.
\nRRV said they will place temporary bollards to mark the boundary of traffic lanes in both directions along the road.
\n\u201cTemporary ramps will be installed where a drop off currently exists on the left-hand roadside of the north bound lane between Carrs Road and Granite Road. The temporary reduced speed limit of 60km\/h will remain in place to protect drivers travelling in both directions during the suspension of works.\u201d
\nSince October 2018, RRV have been widening and sealing road shoulders, installing 2-new overtaking lanes and preparing to install flexible safety barriers along the centreline and left-hand side of the road to prevent head on and run-off-road crashes.
\nThe Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road was identified as a high-risk rural road with six fatalities and 32 serious injuries occurring between 2010 and 2017. <\/p>\n