Traffic Advisory

WHO:  City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (https://twitter.com/DPUStreetNews) 
 
WHAT:  Eastbound lane and right turn lane closures
 
WHEN:  Eastbound Lane is currently closed; turn lane closures have been added

WHERE: 6800 - 6900 blocks of Forest Hill Avenue

BACKGROUND:  The eastbound outer lane of Forest Hill Avenue between Hathaway and Cherokee Roads is closed due to a collapsed sewer main. Right turn lane closures have been added, to protect the safety of the workers in the work zone.

Emergency sewer line replacement will be required and will be underway soon. Currently, bypass features are in place to ensure there is no impact to sewer services. Most sewers were installed in the early 1900’s and have deteriorated to the point that they have begun to leak, have failed (collapsed), or are at risk of failure. If not addressed, settling of road surfaces, back-ups, and other problems may occur.

City and contracted planners and engineers are developing a plan of action to immediately replace the failed pipe and assess other areas of concern. Updates are forthcoming that will include additional impacts and timeline.

Planned pipe rehabilitation will be proceeding in phases in the curb lane from the Windsorview Drive and Forest Hill Avenue intersection area to the Powhite Parkway. This rehabilitation, called cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP), will help prevent future sewer failure. More details on that process can be found here. CIPP work will be contingent on closed-circuit-television (CCTV) footage that will be obtained beginning April 9.

Motorists are reminded to pay attention to signage in the area, and to use caution while traveling through the work zone. Riders of GRTC buses are encouraged to check updated schedules (via ridegrtc.com or the GRTC mobile app) for any changes to bus stops or schedules before travel.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of the traveling public while this critical infrastructure work continues. There is no impact to the water service in the area; your water supply remains safe for drinking and recreational activities.