Alexandria Board to Vote on Right Turn Restrictions
The city will consider a proposal to ban right turns on red at 100 intersections to improve pedestrian safety.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Remote Work
Live Poll
Should cities ban right turns on red at busy intersections to improve pedestrian safety?
The Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board will vote on prohibiting right turns on red at signalized intersections throughout Old Town and surrounding neighborhoods. The proposal also includes installing leading pedestrian intervals to reduce conflicts between motorists and pedestrians.
Why it matters
The city aims to boost pedestrian safety near schools and enhance visibility, as current data shows a high concentration of accidents occurring at signalized crossings. Officials note that pedestrians and cyclists remain vulnerable due to a lack of physical vehicle protection.
Between 2020 and 2025, Alexandria recorded 318 pedestrian crashes, with 39% of 145 total fatal or severe injury accidents involving pedestrians. The project area spans approximately 100 signalized intersections across several key neighborhoods.
The players
Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board
This municipal body oversees the planning and implementation of transportation policies and safety infrastructure within the city of Alexandria.
The details
City staff are pushing the initiative to address specific safety concerns in the Old Town, Old Town North, and Braddock/Parker-Gray areas. In addition to the potential turn restrictions, the board is evaluating the rollout of leading pedestrian intervals at major traffic points.
Timeline
The board meeting is scheduled for October 26, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Crash data was collected over the five-year period from 2020 to 2025.
Market Landscape
The push for signalized intersection reform follows the National Association of City Transportation Officials' pedestrian safety design guidelines. These changes mark a departure from traditional traffic management, reflecting a wider urban shift toward prioritizing non-motorized commuter safety.
Drivers in Old Town and surrounding neighborhoods should anticipate potential changes to turning patterns and traffic signal timing at 100 intersections. These adjustments aim to reduce the frequency of vehicle-pedestrian collisions throughout the city.
The takeaway
Increased restrictions on turns at red lights can significantly enhance crossing safety in dense urban environments. Residents should be prepared to adjust their typical driving routes if the board adopts the new signal protocols.
Further reading
For more context on local transit initiatives, visit the Remote Work section.
Live Poll
Should cities ban right turns on red at busy intersections to improve pedestrian safety?
