Mayor Avula fast-tracks Vision Zero changes after six pedestrian deaths in three weeks

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced a slate of street-safety actions on January 8th following what he called a “terrifying” stretch of six pedestrian deaths in about three weeks. The city says 13 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related incidents in Richmond in 2025.

The mayor’s plan centers on moving more quickly on Vision Zero, Richmond’s strategy to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries.

A new Department of Transportation inside DPW

Avula said the city will immediately stand up a new Department of Transportation within the Department of Public Works to serve as a central hub for street safety and mobility work, including planning, design, delivery, and maintenance. He appointed Andrew “Andy” Boenau as director, according to the city.

Red-light cameras and accelerated infrastructure

Avula also said Richmond will expand its Safety Camera Program to include red-light cameras, with 10 intersections expected to come online in the coming months and four operational by the end of January, including several in South Richmond.

Richmond’s current safety-camera effort has focused on school zones; the city’s program page says it has deployed 26 safety cameras covering 13 school zones and that the devices are mobile and can be moved based on crash data.

On the engineering side, the mayor directed the immediate use of local transportation funds to speed up a long list of changes the city says are aimed at reducing crashes and severity, including:

• Left-turn hardening at more than 80 intersections on the city’s High Injury Network.

• 14 additional pedestrian hybrid beacons for mid-block crossings.

• 40 new speed tables by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

• Roadway reconfigurations tied to dedicated bus and bike lanes.

• Crosswalk visibility work tied to expanded corner clearance enforcement.

Focus near VCU, City Hall, and East Broad Street

Avula said the city will convene a Pedestrian Safety Task Force with Virginia Commonwealth University to address concerns around City Hall and the VCU Health campus, with thousands of students returning for the spring semester. The city also plans a multidisciplinary road safety assessment of East Broad Street from 1st Street to 14th Street to identify short-term fixes and longer-term redesign options.

Enforcement and accountability questions

Avula and Richmond Police leaders emphasized enforcement alongside street redesigns, pointing to speeding and distracted driving. In separate reporting on the recent fatalities, Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said investigations are still ongoing and cases can take time to build before being sent to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for charging decisions.

Billions in projects promised over the next several years

The mayor’s office said DPW has secured more than $750 million in discretionary transportation funding aligned with Vision Zero, with total investments expected around $1.2 billion over the next five to six years, citing projects such as Hull Street Road and planned improvements along Jahnke Road.