At several busy intersections across Virginia Commonwealth University’s campuses, drivers often cut corners on left turns, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to stay alert. Now, new traffic-calming features already installed at those crossings are part of a joint effort to slow turning vehicles and improve safety. 

The city’s Department of Public Works and VCU have begun a quick-build pilot that adds modular curbs and striping to tighten turning radii and reduce conflicts with people walking, biking or rolling. 

“This collaboration is an example of our shared commitment to creating safer streets for everyone in our community,” said Clarence Hunter Jr., VCU chief of police. 

The pilot is underway at Franklin Street at Laurel Street, Franklin Street at Belvidere Street, Marshall Street at 11th Street and Marshall Street at 13th Street. 

City officials say findings from the pilot will guide plans to expand the safety feature to other intersections, particularly along streets that make up Richmond’s “High Injury Network” — the small share of roadways where most of the city’s fatal and serious-injury crashes occur.