RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Crews are gearing up to begin construction to make three Richmond intersections safer.
Crosswalks, traffic signals and accessible curb ramps are making for safer intersections for those driving, biking or walking through Richmond — which little puppy Franklyn and his owner, Richmond resident Ellie Biddle, love to do.
“Crossing the street can get a little scary if cars can’t see [Franklyn],” Biddle said. “So, sometimes we even have to pick him up to make sure he doesn’t get hit.”
Over $2 million from the Virginia Highway Safety Program was allocated towards installing safety measures in Richmond. The following three intersections will undergo construction to install new safety infrastructure in February:
- Cary Street Road and Libbie Avenue
- Grove Avenue and Granite Avenue
- Clarkson Road and Warwick Road
Grove Avenue and Granite Avenue meet in the Westhampton neighborhood, an area which has become a hotspot for shopping and dining that Franklyn and Biddle frequently visit.
“[Franklyn] loves coming here,” Biddle said. “We come to lunch at Taste. He likes to walk around, see the people, different dogs.”
However, the neighborhood’s growing popularity means it has also become a hotspot for car traffic.
“I do notice people like to [drive] fast,” Biddle said. “It also creates a scary situation.”
The infrastructure plan will also include the installment of pedestrian countdown signals. Biddle thinks crosswalks will be most impactful improvement coming to the intersections.
“A crosswalk would definitely be helpful,” Biddle said. “Definitely [for] safety, especially for Franklyn.”
Construction for the installment of safety infrastructures at these intersections will begin mid-February, with the project expected to be completed by winter 2025, if weather permits.
Drivers are advised to be prepared for upcoming road closures and detours following the start of construction at these intersections.
