31st Oct 2017 The Australian and Victorian Governments are investing $4 million in a project to take trucks and heavy vehicles off local roads in central Rutherglen in Victorias north east. Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said redirecting heavy vehicles would improve safety after 13 crashes between January 2012 and December 2016. The project delivers on the Coalitions election commitment and will reduce traffic congestion, improve access to retail services, and maximise the benefits of tourism to the area while supporting freight productivity, Mr Chester said. Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said increased traffic was putting strain on the towns main roads, affecting local residents and businesses. This project will reduce congestion and improve safety in Rutherglen cutting the number of trucks that travel through the town to other destinations, Mr Donnellan said. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said that community would be able to have their say on the project. Well be consulting with the local community, businesses, council and freight industry as we work to identify a preferred project route for this important project, Ms Symes said. Construction is expected to start in late 2018 and due for completion in late 2020. The Australian and Victorian governments are jointly funding the $4 million project. For information on other Victorian projects visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/