Henrico's 'Arrive Alive' safety action plan identifies potential transportation improvements

Henrico County is applying for a grant this month that would help fund the implementation of a transportation safety plan.

County officials outlined their vision in the Arrive Alive Henrico Safety Action Plan, a product of the Safe Streets and Roads for All federal grant plan. The grant program is a part of a larger goal established by the U.S. Department of Transportation to reach zero roadway deaths. 

Recent crash data from the Virginia Department of Transportation shows that 27,610 vehicle crashes occurred in the county between 2020 and this March. Those crashes killed 178 people, including 46 pedestrians and 6 bicyclists. 

“We have a car-centric, focused roadway network here in Virginia,” project manager Ashley Austin said.

The plan’s recommendations stem from a compilation of county-wide data and public engagement information sessions, she said. The recommendations include spot and systematic improvements, as well as educational programs. 

The VDOT crash data shows that intersection-related crashes cause the highest number of fatalities and serious injuries across 10 areas, such as roadway departures, driving under the influence, vehicle occupants not wearing seat belts and distracted driving. 

The safety plan mapped the crash intersections and found that the Fairfield and Three Chopt districts have the highest number of intersection safety needs, with 7 of the 23 needs found on West Broad Street. 

The plan also identified areas with higher crash totals that coincide with poverty lines. VDOT data reveals that 16% of crash fatalities and 21% of serious injuries between 2019 and 2023 in Henrico occurred in high-poverty areas in portions of the Brookland, Fairfield and Varina districts. 

The spot improvements would target the intersections and poverty areas with high crash fatalities and injuries to propose improvements, such as adding pedestrian crossings, rumble strips and warning signs. 

A study completed in 2023 by the Partnership for Smarter Growth found that areas in Metro Richmond with higher levels of poverty have few crosswalks and adequate pedestrian islands. 

A 2023 National Association of Realtors survey also found that 90% of younger respondents, Gen Z and millennials, said they’d pay more to live in a walkable community.

People are walking, but the roads aren’t safe or equipped for pedestrians, the PSG study found. 

Henrico County currently has 276 miles of sidewalk, Austin said. Although the safety plan does not include specific recommendations for more, sidewalks are still a priority. The county currently has about 28 miles of sidewalk construction and more than 70 pedestrian-related accommodation projects underway countywide.  

The plan also proposes systematic improvements like edge line treatment like pavement markings on roadways, rumble strips, speed limit evaluations and high-visibility signal back plates to help drivers see signals more clearly, especially in challenging conditions.  

Henrico County officials have set a goal to cut pedestrian-related crashes and fatalities in half by 2035, according to the safety plan. 

While physical improvements are necessary to meet this goal, education also is important, Austin said.  

“Not just the infrastructure improvements, but also educating our road users on the best way to follow laws,” she said. 

The plan has proposed numerous programs that target different crash factors, such as driving under the influence, distraction, speeding, night-cyclists and seatbelt awareness. 

As the county transitions to a more urban environment, the need for improvements and education to protect road users is crucial, Austin said. 

The Henrico Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the plan and apply for implementation funding last month. If approved, SS4A would fund up to 80% of the estimated costs of the future product, and the county would fund the remaining 20%. 

The application for implementation funding is due June 26.