The crosswalk close to where an elderly pedestrian died almost two weeks ago is getting an upgrade this year.
The victim – an 81-year-old woman – was hit on or close to a crosswalk by a car driven by a 78-year-old man at about 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23.
Good Samaritans were reported to have provided medical help, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency crews at the scene on No. 1 and Tucker roads, just south of Westminster Highway.
She later died in hospital due to her injuries. It was the first road-related fatality in Richmond in 2018. It’s not yet clear whether or not the woman was on the unlit crosswalk at the time of the collision.
However, the City of Richmond has confirmed to the Richmond News that the crosswalk in question has been on a list for scheduled upgrades this year.
“We are planning upgrades to that intersection this year. This will entail installation of a pedestrian-activated light,” said city spokesperson Ted Townsend in an email to the News.
The special crosswalk program, according to Townsend, is reviewed and compiled by staff on “an annual basis and locations are then identified and prioritized.”
Townsend said the crosswalk at No. 1 and Tucker roads was on the list prior to the fatal accident.
For the 2018 program, other crosswalk locations have been identified for upgrades and are all scheduled to be installed by the end of the year:
• Willams and Deagle roads;
• Railway Avenue and Woodwards Road;
• Elmbridge and Cedarbridge ways;
• 8200 Ackroyd Road.
The last of which, on Ackroyd Road, was the subject of a News story last September when a member of the News’ sales team was almost knocked down as she tried to cross the road.
The crossing in question is right outside the News office and is sandwiched between six exits and entrances to businesses in close proximity.
