Why Richmond is replacing traffic lights with stop signs

Driving the news: Traffic lights along Robinson Street in the Fan were replaced with all-way stops, sparking debate among residents about drivers rolling through stops and a lack of advance warning.

• Crews took down the streetlights late last week after the signals flashed red for about a week.

How we got here: A 2023 city study recommended replacing traffic lights with all-way stop signs at 12 intersections, per city documents posted online by 2nd district liaison Sven Philipsen.

• Those included spots along Roseneath Road, Brook Road and Marshall Street and in the city's Northside and East End neighborhoods.
• Robinson accounts for four of the intersections.

Richmond officials didn't respond to Axios' requests for comment about whether they're tracking safety concerns since the change.

By the numbers: The changes could save $11 million, per city estimates. Replacing each aging traffic signal could cost roughly $750,000, plus $10,000 annually in maintenance.

What we're watching: Dozens more intersections could be candidates for conversions as the city reviews aging signals, per Richmond's Department of Public Works.