While the city is not considering a blanket ban on right turns on red, city officials are considering restricting the moves at multiple intersections. Residents have until Feb. 6 to weigh in on the latest considerations in Old Town.
"The City of Alexandria is addressing safety issues by proposing to implement new “no turn on red” (NTOR) restrictions in early 2023 for select streets turning onto Patrick Street and Henry Street. Both streets were identified as high crash corridors in the Vision Zero Action Plan. NTOR strategies have been effective nationwide at reducing crashes, especially ones involving pedestrians," according to city offiials.
The right on red restrictions are proposed for the following streets where they intersect with Henry Street (Route 1 South):
- Wythe Street
- Oronoco Street
- Princess Street
- Queen Street
Restrictions are proposed for the following streets where they intersect with Patrick Street (Route 1 North):
- Montgomery Street
- Wythe Street
- Pendleton Street
- Oronoco Street
- Princess Street
- Cameron Street
According to the City's Vision Zero website, "In 2017, City Council adopted a Vision Zero Policy and Action Plan with the goal of getting to zero fatal and severe crashes by 2028. As part of the Vision Zero Annual Work Plan, the City has committed to implementing no turn on red restrictions on two major corridors with high pedestrian activity. Over a dozen people have been struck and injured while walking on Patrick Street and Henry Street within the Old Town area since 2016."
The City is accepting comments on the above proposed changes. To submit a comment, send an email to Bryan.Hayes@AlexandriaVA.gov.
