Richmond launches street upgrades for safer biking, walking

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond launched a set of street upgrades to make streets safer for all users, with construction expected to be completed by winter.

According to a April 1 press release, Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) announced the new upgrades would impact walking and biking along Forest Hill at the intersection of 41st Street and the intersection of 43rd Street.

Officials said construction is scheduled to start in April and is expected to be completed by winter 2026.

“This work is about making everyday trips safer – whether someone is walking to school, the park, or biking through the neighborhood,” said RDOT director Andy Boenau in a release. "By shortening crossings, increasing bike protection, and improving the RFP, the city is creating a street that works better for everyone.”

These improvements were made as part of Richmond’s “Vision Zero” initiative -- an international movement aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries to zero.

Improvements include:

• Installation of Pedestrian refuge islands with ADA accessible ramps, allowing people to cross the street in shorter, safer stages and reducing the time they are exposed to traffic.
• Relocation and upgrade of an existing Rapid Flash Beacon (RFP), which will be enhanced with a permanent power source.
• A RFB is a type of pedestrian crossing signal that alerts drivers with bright and quick flashing lights to let drivers know that someone wants to cross the street. It is only activated when someone pushes the button to cross the street.
• Conversion of the existing buffered bike lanes into a hardened, more protected bike lane to help keep vehicles out of the bike lanes near important crossings.

As part of the construction, the city shared the following scheduled road closures:

• From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8: Forest Hill Avenue at 41st Street will be closed to install conduit across the roadway.
  • The road will reopen at the end of the day.
• From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 9: Forest Hill Avenue at 43rd Street will be closed to install a conduit
  • The road will reopen at the end of the day.