A simple street crossing will soon become an apt tribute to one of the founding mothers of Melbourne.

The little green walking man will be replaced with a silhouette of Victoria's first female councillor, Mary Rogers, at a major intersection in the suburb of Richmond.

The tribute honours a woman who fought for decades to improve the lives of the people of Melbourne.

After being elected to office in 1920, Ms Rogers took on a number of causes over many years.

She initiated the state's first maternal and child health service, was one of the first women to be appointed a Justice of the Peace in Victoria in 1928, and later was a special magistrate at the Children's Court in Richmond.

“By all accounts, an extraordinary woman,” said Roberto Colanzi, Mayor of the City of Yarra.

The Mary Rogers crossing light will be on the well-known intersection of Bridge Road and Bosisto Street; just a short walk from Mary Rogers Square.

VicRoads spokesperson Brendan Paulwels said it went further than just honouring a regional councillor, to become a sign of the bonds between local and state governments.

“Our staff have been working closely with the City of Yarra and are really pleased to be delivering this initiative,” Mr Pauwels told the ABC.

“It is something a bit different. And for us, it's not only a wonderful tribute to the celebrated woman Mary Rogers was, but it's also an acknowledgment of the important role local government have in road projects.”

The signal will be unveiled in May, and should stay in place for at least 12 months.