Posted May 7, 2026

 ~ The improvement supports the City’s Vision Zero commitment to safer streets ~

RICHMOND, Va. –   As part of the City’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes, the Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) is installing a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) at the intersection of Hull Street and East 29^th Street.  Hull Street has long been a challenging street to cross. 

This project provides for the installation of the traffic signal mast arm poles, high visibility crosswalks, pedestrian countdown signals, pedestrian push buttons, and accessible curb ramps for all ages and abilities. The construction begins, weather permitting, in May and is expected to be completed by the end of summer.

“This new hybrid beacon will better protect people walking,” said Richmond Transportation Director, Andy Boenau. “Especially in a neighborhood where many rely on walking and transit access for everyday needs. 

A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) is a traffic control device designed to help people walking and rolling to safely cross higher-speed, multi-lane streets like Hull Street. 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. 

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 Virginia’s Transportation Alternative Program and our partnership with the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) and has an estimated construction cost of $440,000.

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

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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; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.