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Department of Public Works expanding LPIs at Richmond intersections

Leading Pedestrian Intervals enhance safety for non-drivers at intersections around the city

October 17, 2023 • 
David Lefkowitz
An intersection on VCU campus, with students and other pedestrians crossing in front of a large VCU sign

LPIs provide pedestrians at crosswalks more time to start walking, making them more visible to turning vehicles.

Photo by RICtoday

The Department of Public Works is expanding leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) at intersections around the city. There are currently 28 intersections in Richmond with LPIs — the city wants to increase that to 107.

LPIs at crosswalks provide a buffer for pedestrians, giving them a few seconds to legally walk before traffic lights change for vehicles. The head start provided to pedestrians makes them more visible to turning vehicles. DPW says that this extra visibility can reduce crashes involving pedestrians and cars by up to 60%.

A map showing the locations of current and future LPIs in the city of Richmond

The vast majority of the 89 new LPIs are situated near VCU campus or the Capitol.

Photo via the Richmond Department of Public Works

The city calls this a low-cost and effective way to improve pedestrian safety. The majority of these new LPIs are planned for the areas around VCU and the Capitol.