A new investigation into Fresno’s most dangerous intersection at Friant Road and Shepherd Avenue calls for dramatic changes to the road’s layout, signage, and oversight to reduce dangerous collisions.
The report also concludes that the city’s current and potential future fixes have failed to address a major factor: Red light runners on northbound Friant crashing into cars traveling on Shepherd through the intersection.
The Fresno County Civil Grand Jury analyzed the causes of the crashes over the last few years at the intersection, which sits at southeastern corner of Woodward Park in northeast Fresno, near the River Park commercial area.
Nicknamed “Friant Roulette” because of the number of crashes and occasional fatalities, the infamous three-way intersection is the subject of a YouTube channel that has generated millions of views documenting its “madness.”
The city allocated $2.5 million to the intersection in March to improve safety, including adding a signal so that each northbound lane is equipped with its own traffic light. There’s been just one crash of note since April, down from roughly one a month, The Bee recently reported.
However, the Civil Grand Jury says further changes are needed to reduce collisions. The independent watchdog body of 19 citizens is tasked with investigating and monitoring local government operations. It releases reports annually and gives recommendations for solutions.
For the “Friant Roulette” investigation, the group conducted interviews with Fresno city and county staff and elected representatives, including police and public works officials, conducted a physical inspection and reviewed crash data.
It found that more than 80% of collisions occurred as drivers failed to obey the red-light traffic signal on northbound Friant Road, colliding with westbound Shepherd Avenue traffic turning onto southbound Friant Road.
View of car accident from northbound Friant Road at Shepherd Avenue intersection. YouTube Friant Roulette
Fresno’s Public Works Department is currently considering two modifications to the intersections, both focused on the right-hand turn from northbound Friant onto Shepherd, according to the report. But the Civil Grand Jury says neither would address the primary issue they identified: red-light runners on northbound Friant.
The report argues that physical characteristics of the intersection have significantly contributed to collision volume, and changes to the layout and signal visibility are needed.
Why are there so many crashes at Shepherd and Friant?
There is a slight elevation change approaching northbound Friant Road, and it veers west as drivers approach the intersection.
The Civil Grand Jury says this limits drivers’ visibility and reaction time.
View of northbound Friant Road approaching Shepherd Avenue intersection. Fresno County Civil Grand Jury Report: Intersection of Friant and Shepherd an Accident Waiting to Happen, Again.
Plus, the view of six light panels, two of which have a green light arrow for a right turn onto Shepherd, “causes confusion.”
The investigation found four evergreen trees in the median blocking the view of traffic signals and that a sound wall impedes the view on eastbound Shepherd, “creating a tunnel effect” on northbound Friant.
The Civil Grand Jury also said a redirection of police efforts from traffic control to other priorities contributes. Particularly, a decision made in 2014 to reduce motorcycle police officers by nearly 50%.
Road improvements along Friant Road include the addition of an extra traffic light, seen at the intersection of Shepherd Avenue on Friday, July 10, 2026. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com What’s the solution?
The report included a slew of recommendations based on findings from the investigation, including additional policing, traffic signal warning signage and road markings.
The Civil Grand Jury recommendations for the Friant/Shepherd intersection:Increase the frequency of police presence and enforcement at the intersection.Change the green right-turn arrow lights to a flashing yellow arrow at northbound Friant Road.Add black striping to existing stop light fixtures.Add signal ahead signs and on both sides of Friant leading to the intersectionAdd “signal ahead” road markings on northbound Friant.Erect a stoplight sign with flashing yellow lights on northbound Friant leading up to the intersection.Erect an advanced traffic signal warning sign with flashing lights over northbound Friant before the intersection.Remove the left-hand turn lane at northbound Friant.Increase timing intervals for the signal lights.Prune the evergreen trees or remove them in the median on northbound Friant approaching the intersection.Remove enough of the sound barrier wall on the east side of northbound Friant to allow a line of sight from westbound Shepherd.
Local governments and city officials do not have to follow recommendations made by the Civil Grand Jury, but they are legally required to respond to them in writing and explain whether they agree or disagree with each finding and recommendation.
The three-way intersection at Friant Road and Shepherd Avenue is infamously known as “Friant Roulette” for the number of red light-runners, crashes and occasional fatalities that occur there. The city of Fresno has made it a priority to improve safety at the intersection. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
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