The Richmond Department of Public Works announced Dec. 22 the launch of two public surveys aimed at improving safety at intersections across the city, where the vast majority of fatal and serious injury crashes occur.

According to city data, 82% of all fatal and serious injury crashes in Richmond since 2017 have occurred at intersections. The department attributes this to the complex nature of intersections, where pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles converge from multiple directions at varying speeds, creating numerous conflict points. 

The first survey focuses on “Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper” safety interventions — a design approach that allows the city to rapidly test safety improvements using temporary materials like paint, flexible posts and modular curb elements. These pilot installations can be refined based on performance and community response before permanent changes are made. 

The second survey covers more than 400 proposed quick-build improvements at specific locations across Richmond. These include left-turn hardening at 85 intersections, low-cost safety treatments at 275 intersections, and high-visibility crosswalks at 58 intersections. 

Left-turn hardening uses modular curbs and road striping to slow turning vehicles and prevent drivers from cutting corners, reducing potential conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists. 

The Department of Public Works says community input will help prioritize locations with the greatest safety needs and ensure improvements are delivered equitably across the city. Both surveys remain open through Jan. 16. 

Residents can access the first survey at arcg.is/1W0en5 and the second survey at arcg.is/0fSTnn1.