Distributed November 17, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), in partnership with the City’s Department of Public Works, is launching a quick-build pilot program at four intersections on VCU’s campuses to improve intersection safety through left-turn hardening measures.

Left-turn hardening is a traffic calming measure that uses modular curbs and striping to reduce left-turning speeds and prevent “corner cutting” by drivers. The installations minimize the conflict area between turning vehicles and people walking, biking, or rolling.

“This collaboration is an example of our shared commitment to creating safer streets for everyone in our community,” said Clarence T. Hunter, Jr., VCU Chief of Police. 

The following intersections are included in the pilot: 

• Franklin Street at Laurel Street
• Franklin Street at Belvidere Street
• Marshall Street at 11th Street
• Marshall Street at 13th Street

Findings from the pilot will inform the City’s federally funded initiative to install left-turn hardening at intersections on the High Injury Network.

Michael B. Sawyer, City Transportation Engineer, said “Quick-build pilots allow us to gather real-world data efficiently and refine designs before full-scale implementation. These enhancements will make a meaningful difference in reducing conflicts and protecting vulnerable road users.”

This new pilot is a result of improvements made following a 2023 pedestrian safety study, which VCU completed in partnership with the City of Richmond Department of Public Works, that identified and prioritized pedestrian safety improvements on and around VCU’s downtown Richmond campuses. VCU and the City have since implemented improvements to enhance existing infrastructure within city-owned right-of-way as well as encourage collaborative enforcement and community engagement. More information is at masterplan.vcu.edu/pedestrian-safety/

For more information on Richmond’s ongoing work to improve mobility for all ages, abilities, and modes of travel, please visit rva,gov/visionzero

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1