Envisioning a Safer Future for This Deadly Intersection in Richmond, VA
The Richmond Crash Analysis Studio is inspiring prevention-based solutions to reduce the number of fatalities on our streets. During the session preparation, local resident of Richmond, Virginia, and Strong Towns member Erik Bootsma contacted us. Bootsma is very familiar with the conditions on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus where the crash took place; he wanted to be part of the local engagement process to improve the conditions on the campus.
Similar to many of you, Bootsma watched the Crash Analysis Studio live, and listened to the humble observations that resonated with his own experiences on the campus. He also listened to the numerous recommendations shared by the panelists. Bootsma took these recommendations to heart and applied his skills as an architect to illustrate the panel’s recommendations.
He completed these drawings prior to the Crash Analysis Studio Report being published, and shared this work on Twitter. Like the panelists, Eric shared in a mutual discovery of the contributing factors and revised his recommendations for this intersection. He felt the need to share his talents to advance the conversation and inspire change.
Existing conflicts at the current intersection are shown in red. (Source: Erik Bootsma.)
Tightening the corners and expanding the pedestrian area. (Source: Erik Bootsma.)
Implementing temporary improvements. (Source: Erik Bootsma.)
I am very impressed with Bootsma’s drawings, because these drawings clearly illustrate the problem, and provide several solutions. These are the types of simple plan diagrams that should be drawn to better understand the complex issues at this intersection. We can clearly see, shown in red, where a car and a pedestrian would be in conflict with each other. This conflict is evident on not just one, but three of the four corners of this intersection. Specific to this intersection, this design has resulted in the greatest of tragedies: the loss of a life.
The Crash Analysis Studio is an opportunity to provide local officials the tools necessary to take immediate and urgent action to change the conditions at this intersection. Bootsma illustrates in purple where the intersection could be tightened or narrowed, thus making it immediately safer. At Strong Towns, we would encourage the University or the city to take the next logical and smallest step by widening the sidewalk area and tightening up the corner radius at this intersection. This could be accomplished initially with tools and materials readily available, such as paint and temporary bollards. This temporary improvement at the intersection can be evaluated and reviewed. The radius and size of the pedestrian areas can be adjusted as needed. Based on my personal experience, I’d say Bootsma’s images are all that a public works director or street crew needs to implement these changes.
Edward Erfurt is the Director of Community Action at Strong Towns. He is a trained architect and passionate urban designer with over 20 years of public- and private-sector experience focused on the management, design, and successful implementation of development and placemaking projects that enrich the tapestry of place. He believes in community-focused processes that are founded on diverse viewpoints, a concern for equity, and guided through time-tested, traditional town-planning principles and development patterns that result in sustainable growth with the community character embraced by the communities which he serves.