VCU, city of Richmond adjust four intersections in traffic safety pilot program

By Jake Burns
VCU Police

Virginia Commonwealth University, in partnership with the city of Richmond's Department of Public Works, has launched a quick-build pilot program at four intersections on VCU's campuses to improve intersection safety through left-turn hardening measures.

The traffic calming measure 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," VCU Police Chief Clarence T. Hunter Jr. said.

Left-turn hardening infrastructure on N. Laurel Street is designed to slow traffic while turning to protect pedestrians. (Jake Burns, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Infrastructure has been installed at the four intersections 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, which identifies streets that present the most serious risk.

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

A vehicle cuts the corner and runs over left-turn hardening infrastructure, which is a traffic calming measure. (Jake Burns, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

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's Department of Public Works. It 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 available on the pedestrian safety page of the One VCU Master Plan.

For more information on Richmond's ongoing work to improve mobility, visit rva.gov/visionzero.

Left-turn hardening infrastructure, a traffic calming instrument, installed on E. Marshall St. (Jake Burns, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)