The Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced plans to install a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) at the intersection of Cary Street and Commonwealth Avenue. The initiative is part of the city’s Vision Zero program, which aims to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes.
Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in early December, with completion expected by summer 2026, depending on weather conditions. The new beacon is intended to improve safety for pedestrians accessing Mary Munford Elementary School and the nearby playground.
The PHB is a traffic control device designed to help pedestrians and bicyclists cross busy or high-speed roads at intersections that do not have signals. The beacon uses two red lenses above a single yellow lens, which remain off until activated by a pedestrian pressing a call button.
“This project provides for the installation of the traffic signal mast arm poles, high visibility crosswalk, pedestrian indicators (countdown) and activations (push buttons), and ADA ramps,” according to DPW.
When activated, motorists will first see a flashing yellow light indicating they should slow down. This is followed by a solid yellow light instructing drivers to stop if it is safe. Next, double solid red lights require vehicles to come to a complete stop while pedestrians receive a “Walk” signal. Once crossing is complete, alternating flashing red lights allow drivers to proceed after stopping if no one remains in the crosswalk.
During construction, intermittent lane and sidewalk closures are expected. DPW urges drivers to be cautious around work zones and give extra space to construction workers.
For more information about this project or other DPW activities, residents can visit rva.gov/public‐works or contact askpublicworks@rva.gov. Updates are also available on X at @DPW_RichmondVA.
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