The Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) will host a community conversation with historian, University of Virginia professor, and author Peter Norton on Thursday, July 9 exploring how the history of American streets can inform the future of transportation in Richmond.

Norton, author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City and Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving, will explore how streets once served as shared public spaces that connected communities through walking, streetcars, and other forms of mobility before the rise of automobile-focused transportation systems.

His presentation will examine the transformation of American cities, including Richmond, as streets shifted from community spaces to primarily serving motor vehicle movement. The discussion will highlight lessons from the past and how they can help guide today's efforts to create safer, more accessible streets for people of all ages and abilities. 

“As Richmond continues working toward a transportation system that serves everyone, understanding the history of our streets helps us better understand the choices we make today,” said Andy Boenau, Director of RDOT. “This conversation gives residents an opportunity to learn from the past, engage with transportation experts, and discuss how we can build a safer, more connected future for Richmond."

The event will include a presentation from Norton followed by a community question-and-answer session focused on the connection between Richmond’s transportation history and ongoing safety initiatives, including the development of the City’s first ever Pedestrian Safety Master Plan and Richmond’s Vision Zero commitment. 

“Transportation is about more than how we move through the city, it is about how we access opportunities, connect with our neighbors, and experience our communities,” said Boenau. “These conversations help bring residents into the process of shaping streets that work better for everyone.” 

Event Details

What: Community Conversation with Peter Norton

When: Thursday, July 9, 2026

Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Program begins at 7:00 p.m.

Where: James Branch Cabell Library 901 Park Avenue Richmond, VA 23284

The event is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and participate in the conversation about Richmond’s transportation future.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peter-norton-lecture-tickets-1992020300342

About the Richmond Department of Transportation

The Richmond Department of Transportation works to create a safe, accessible, and connected transportation system that supports the movement of people and goods throughout the City of Richmond. Through investments in infrastructure, planning, and community engagement, RDOT is working toward a transportation network that serves residents of all ages and abilities.

The City is expanding its Safety Camera Program to additional intersections to support red-light enforcement efforts, reinforcing its commitment to improving traffic safety and reducing serious crashes at high-risk locations.

This update follows the initial program announcement in September 2025, with subsequent updates provided in January and May 2026. The program continues to expand as additional safety cameras are installed and activated at high-risk intersections. 

 Seven intersections currently have safety cameras installed and operational. As of June 29, 29,971 warnings and citations have been issued. These initial seven pilot intersections are: 

• 25th Street at Main Street
• Belvidere Street at Cary Street
• Chamberlayne Avenue at Brookland Park Boulevard
• Chamberlayne Avenue at Laburnum Avenue

• Hull Street and Warwick Road 

• Hull Street and Cowardin Avenue

• Commerce Road at Maury Street 

Three additional intersections in the pilot program will become operational soon:

• Hull Street Road & East Belt Boulevard
• German School Road & Midlothian Turnpike
• Mechanicsville Turnpike and Fairfield Way

A 30-day warning period for the red light enforcement will begin on July 1, 2026, at the intersection of Hull Street Road and East Belt Boulevard. During this period, motorists who run a red light at this location will receive a warning notice instead of a citation. Warning periods for the remaining two intersections are expected to begin later this summer.

After the warning period ends, registered vehicle owners who receive a red-light violation notice captured by these cameras will be issued a $50 citation, in accordance with the Code of Virginia.

“Every red light run is a preventable tragedy in the making.” said Andy Boenau, RDOT Director, “We’re sending a clear message that Richmond prioritizes safety over shortcuts, and we’re using every tool available to eliminate traffic-related serious injuries and to save lives.”

Drivers should:

• Slow down, especially as lights turn yellow. Yellow means prepare to stop – not speed up
• Stop fully at red lights. Entering the intersection after the light turns red is a violation.
• Pay attention and avoid distractions.
• Plan ahead and leave earlier to provide additional time

Red-light running causes hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries across the country each year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 1,000 people are killed and more than 100,000 are injured each year in crashes involving drivers who run red lights. Cities that implement safety cameras have seen fatal red-light running crashes drop by as much as 21%.

For more information on Richmond’s safety camera program, visit rva.gov/police/safety-camera-program.

For more information on Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/public-works/vision-zero

The Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) is inviting residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to provide feedback on several newly proposed transportation projects designed to improve safe access to reliable and frequent transit service and enhance the choices people can make to walk, ride transit, or bike.  

As a follow up to GRTC Board’s announcement of fare-free transit and to celebrate Bike Month, these projects support the City’s Complete Streets initiative to provide space for all users and to promote access choices as a multimodal city.  In addition, our Vision Zero initiative, a multidisciplinary strategy aimed at eliminating traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries, is also advanced as these strategies are applied to change the built environment on the High Injury Street Network.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), street reconfigurations—often referred to as “road diets”—can improve safe access for all users by calming traffic and managing speeds to improve overall quality of life in Richmond’s communities.

The City is currently seeking public input through two separate surveys focused on dedicated transit lane and bike infrastructure through a quick-build process.

Survey #1: 

This survey focuses on proposed dedicated transit lane improvements intended to improve safe access to reliable and frequent fare-free transit routes while supporting Richmond’s growing multimodal transportation network.

Projects featured in the survey include dedicated transit lane improvements on:

• US Route 1 James River Bridge between Riverside Drive and South 2nd Street
• Chamberlayne Avenue between Overbrook and Mitchell Street

Survey Link #1: https://arcg.is/08y8Hv0

Survey #2:  

This survey focuses on street reconfigurations for bicycle infrastructure improvements intended to better management speeds and provide safe, comfortable space and access for people walking, biking, rolling, taking transit, and driving.

Projects featured in the survey include street reconfigurations on:

• Midlothian Turnpike 
• Leigh Street Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge 
• Westwood Avenue and Hamilton Street Corridor

Survey Link #2: https://arcg.is/0Lqf8P

“These projects touch important streets on the high injury network and reflect the City’s continued commitment to creating safe access to jobs, housing, and services.  We manage speed by promoting human-centered design that works for everyone,” said Andy Boenau, RDOT Director. “Whatever age, ability, or mode, these human-centered designs expand transportation choices, improve affordability for all, and support safer access throughout our city. Community feedback is critical as we continue building a more accessible and connected Richmond.”

For more information about DPW programs and projects, visit www.rva.gov/public-works or email [email protected].

Richmond, VA – The Richmond Departments of Public Works, Transportation and the General Services were recognized on the national stage during the American Public Works Association Conference recently held in Ocean City, Maryland earning prestigious awards and contributing expertise as facilitators. The conference brought together public works professionals from across the country to share innovative practices, strengthen collaboration within the industry and to celebrate excellence in service.

Among the highlights, the departments received the following awards:

APWA Robert S. Hopson Leadership Service Award

• Ms. Jacquelin Howie

APWA Structures $5M - $25M Winner

• Ms. Gail Johnson

APWA Mid-Atlantic Award Winners:

• Mr. Sayed Adel
• Dr. Afshin Famili

Additionally, the following employees were selected to facilitate and participate in conference sessions, sharing expertise and best practices with peers from across the nation. Their participation showcased the department’s leadership in advance public works operations and innovation.

APWA Mid-Atlantic Presentations:

• Mr. Rowes Hanna
• Mr. Daniel Wagner

NACTO Designing Cities Conference Poster and Presentation:

• Ms. Abigail Chaikin 
• Mr. Andy Boenau, Director of Richmond Transportation
• Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works