The Department of Public Works has its eye on improving safety around the intersection of 7th Street, Semmes Avenue, and the Manchester Bridge. It’s asking Richmonders to take a survey to guide the project.
The intersection is just down the street from Legend Brewing and near the Manchester Climbing Wall and floodwall walk. City Council has been wanting to better the conditions of the area for a while — the study which produced the current survey was initiated in October 2022.
There are four different options on the survey for possible improvements. One of them is a short-term concept; the other three are long-term and would require resources from the Capital Improvement Fund. Each aim to increase pedestrian access, get drivers to slow down, and make it easier to see at night and during inclement weather.
The short-term solution includes adding a raised crossing and street parking on Semmes Avenue as well as a grass median at the intersection.
Long-term solutions go further, from adding new traffic signal or a circle to installing more landscaping elements and raised crossings.
The survey asks participants to evaluate each option — don’t worry, there are diagrams for all of them — as well as the existing conditions at the intersection. You can also note your relationship with the area, including whether you live, work, shop, or commute through Manchester and how often.
The survey closes at the end of the month. From there, DPW will finalize its design and move forward with improvements.