One of the most dangerous intersections in Richmond finally has traffic lights.
The lights were switched on last Wednesday at the notorious double junctions of Shell and Williams roads.
Last fall, the Richmond News reported how there had been 10 reported collisions at the intersection in the 21 months prior.
Some shocking video footage shared by nearby residents showed T-bone accidents and pedestrians being mowed down.
But, hopefully, with the City of Richmond installing the signals – which had a project budget of $1.33 million – the area will become safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.
In fairness, it is one of the city’s more unusual intersections, given that Williams Road is met by two Shell roads, one from the east and one from the west.
Problem intersection in Richmond
And sandwich in the CN rail line and crossing and you have a problem, as evidenced by the carnage over the last few years.
The News went down to check out the new lights earlier this week and drivers and pedestrians should expect to wait a bit longer than usual.
Given that there are, essentially, two new sets of lights to serve both east and west intersections, there is a chance drivers can get “stranded” in the middle, waiting for green.
While out taking photos and video, the News discovered that, as a pedestrian, you may have to wait what seems like an age for the crossing light.
According to city spokesperson Clay Adams, the city’s portion of the project budget was $700,000, with CN Rail paying $630K for the new rail signals and “integration between the train and traffic systems.
“While some minor roadwork is still to be completed, indications are the overall project will come in under budget.”
