The city will install a pedestrian hybrid beacon at Cary Street and Commonwealth Avenue to improve access to Mary Munford Elementary School and the nearby playground.

The Department of Public Works said the project is part of Richmond’s Vision Zero effort to eliminate fatal and serious-injury crashes. Construction is expected to begin in early December, weather permitting, and finish by summer. 

The beacon will remain dark until activated by a pedestrian or bicyclist. Once the call button is pressed, motorists will see a flashing yellow signal, then a solid yellow, followed by a solid red that requires drivers to stop. Pedestrians will receive a walk signal once traffic is stopped. The beacon then shifts to a flashing red before returning to dark mode. 

The project includes new signal mast arms, a high-visibility crosswalk, countdown indicators, push-button activations and ADA-accessible ramps. Intermittent lane and sidewalk closures are expected during construction. The $275,000 project is funded through the Central Virginia Transportation Authority. 

For more information, visit rva.gov/public-works.