Posted November 25, 2025

 ~ Construction begins next month, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, Va. –   As part of the City’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is installing a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) to enhance pedestrian safety for access to Mary Munford Elementary School and the adjacent playground. The construction of this project will begin in early December, and weather permitting it is expected to be completed by Summer 2026.

The Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is a traffic control device designed to help pedestrians and bicyclists safely cross busy or higher-speed, multi-lane roadways and uncontrolled intersections. The beacon head consists of two red lenses above a single yellow lens. The lenses remain “Dark” until a pedestrian pushes the call button to activate the beacon. 

This project provides for the installation of the traffic signal mast arm poles, high visibility crosswalk, pedestrian indicators (countdown) and activations (push buttons), and ADA ramps.

Instructions on How to Use the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon:

1. The beacon is “DARK MODE” for motorists until pedestrians/bicyclists push the button to activate it and pedestrians/bicyclists approaching the crosswalk see a steady "Don't Walk" indication.

2. When pedestrians/bicyclists press the button:

   • Motorists will see a FLASHING YELLOW indication for a few seconds, signaling that the beacon has been activated and motorists should SLOW DOWN and be prepared to STOP

   • Pedestrians/bicyclists will continue to see a "Don't Walk" indication and must wait 

3. The flashing yellow is followed by a SOLID YELLOW indication

   • Motorists should STOP if able to safely do so

   • Pedestrians/bicyclists will continue to see a "Don't Walk" indication and must continue to wait 

4. The solid yellow is followed by double SOLID RED indication

   • Motorists are required to come to a complete STOP 

5. Pedestrians/bicyclists receive a "WALK" indication and, if clear, can begin to cross the road in the marked crosswalk. The double solid red is followed by alternating FLASHING RED indication

   • Motorists are required to STOP, or remain stopped, until pedestrians/bicyclists have finished crossing the street. Drivers may proceed with caution after coming to a stop to ensure that no one else is walking across the street.

6. Once the person has safely crossed, the beacon goes back to the DARK MODE and drivers may proceed through the crossing at or below the posted speed limit.

During construction, there will be intermittent lane and sidewalk closures. Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

This project is funded through our partnership with the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) and has an estimated cost of $275,000.

For more information on DPW, please visit us online at rva.gov/public‐works or email us at [email protected]

We’re Social! For updates on activities and events visit us on (X) @DPW_RichmondVA

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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. The Department’s mission is to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1