Posted November 25, 2025

 ~ Construction begins next month, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, Va. –   As part of the City’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is installing a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) to enhance pedestrian safety for access to Mary Munford Elementary School and the adjacent playground. The construction of this project will begin in early December, and weather permitting it is expected to be completed by Summer 2026.

The Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is a traffic control device designed to help pedestrians and bicyclists safely cross busy or higher-speed, multi-lane roadways and uncontrolled intersections. The beacon head consists of two red lenses above a single yellow lens. The lenses remain “Dark” until a pedestrian pushes the call button to activate the beacon. 

This project provides for the installation of the traffic signal mast arm poles, high visibility crosswalk, pedestrian indicators (countdown) and activations (push buttons), and ADA ramps.

Instructions on How to Use the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon:

1. The beacon is “DARK MODE” for motorists until pedestrians/bicyclists push the button to activate it and pedestrians/bicyclists approaching the crosswalk see a steady "Don't Walk" indication.

2. When pedestrians/bicyclists press the button:

   • Motorists will see a FLASHING YELLOW indication for a few seconds, signaling that the beacon has been activated and motorists should SLOW DOWN and be prepared to STOP

   • Pedestrians/bicyclists will continue to see a "Don't Walk" indication and must wait 

3. The flashing yellow is followed by a SOLID YELLOW indication

   • Motorists should STOP if able to safely do so

   • Pedestrians/bicyclists will continue to see a "Don't Walk" indication and must continue to wait 

4. The solid yellow is followed by double SOLID RED indication

   • Motorists are required to come to a complete STOP 

5. Pedestrians/bicyclists receive a "WALK" indication and, if clear, can begin to cross the road in the marked crosswalk. The double solid red is followed by alternating FLASHING RED indication

   • Motorists are required to STOP, or remain stopped, until pedestrians/bicyclists have finished crossing the street. Drivers may proceed with caution after coming to a stop to ensure that no one else is walking across the street.

6. Once the person has safely crossed, the beacon goes back to the DARK MODE and drivers may proceed through the crossing at or below the posted speed limit.

During construction, there will be intermittent lane and sidewalk closures. Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

This project is funded through our partnership with the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) and has an estimated cost of $275,000.

For more information on DPW, please visit us online at rva.gov/public‐works or email us at [email protected]

We’re Social! For updates on activities and events visit us on (X) @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond. The Department’s mission is to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted November 24, 2025

~Training and practice dry run simulation helps the city prepare for snow removal season ~

RICHMOND, Va. – In preparation for inclement winter weather and to ensure snow removal readiness, the Department of Public Works (DPW) recently conducted training for staff and completed practice runs of its 60 snow routes.  Dry runs are a critical part of the city’s winter preparedness plan. They allow city crews to familiarize themselves with their routes, test equipment, identify any operational issues, and ensure that plow operators can safely navigate challenging areas before the first major snowfall. By conducting these practice runs in advance, the department can address mechanical needs, adjust staffing plans, and confirm that all equipment is ready for deployment when winter weather arrives.

To support winter operations, the city currently has 5,000 tons of salt and 2,000 tons of sand along with 2,000 tons of a mixture of sand and salt, as well as chemicals designed to prevent bridge surfaces from freezing when the temperature is colder than 35 degrees. 

During inclement winter weather, the city’s 1860 lane miles are prioritized for pre-treating and snow removal using the following priorities:

• First Priority: bridges, major thoroughfares, arterial streets and emergency routes
• Secondary Priority: minor thoroughfares and designated transit routes - these streets must be cleared first to make them passable for emergency vehicles and to permit entry and exit into the city.  Secondary arterial streets will be cleared to bare pavement within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling, dependent upon accumulation and temperature.
• Third-Tier Priority: Residential and other local streets

For more information on the Department, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at [email protected]

We’re Social! During winter storm events, be sure to get up-to-date notifications on the city’s Twitter (X) account @CityRichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk, and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Distributed November 17, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), in partnership with the City’s Department of Public Works, is launching a quick-build pilot program at four intersections on VCU’s campuses to improve intersection safety through left-turn hardening measures.

Left-turn hardening is a traffic calming measure that uses modular curbs and striping to reduce left-turning speeds and prevent “corner cutting” by drivers. The installations minimize the conflict area between turning vehicles and people walking, biking, or rolling.

“This collaboration is an example of our shared commitment to creating safer streets for everyone in our community,” said Clarence T. Hunter, Jr., VCU Chief of Police. 

The following intersections are included in the pilot: 

• Franklin Street at Laurel Street
• Franklin Street at Belvidere Street
• Marshall Street at 11th Street
• Marshall Street at 13th Street

Findings from the pilot will inform the City’s federally funded initiative to install left-turn hardening at intersections on the High Injury Network.

Michael B. Sawyer, City Transportation Engineer, said “Quick-build pilots allow us to gather real-world data efficiently and refine designs before full-scale implementation. These enhancements will make a meaningful difference in reducing conflicts and protecting vulnerable road users.”

This new pilot is a result of improvements made following a 2023 pedestrian safety study, which VCU completed in partnership with the City of Richmond Department of Public Works, that identified and prioritized pedestrian safety improvements on and around VCU’s downtown Richmond campuses. VCU and the City have since implemented improvements to enhance existing infrastructure within city-owned right-of-way as well as encourage collaborative enforcement and community engagement. More information is at masterplan.vcu.edu/pedestrian-safety/

For more information on Richmond’s ongoing work to improve mobility for all ages, abilities, and modes of travel, please visit rva,gov/visionzero

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted November 14, 2025

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) has recently received full national accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the 6th consecutive time, marking a significant milestone in the department’s long-standing commitment to service excellence, accountability, and innovation. It formally verifies and recognizes that the department is in full compliance with the recommended management practices set forth in APWA’s Public Works Management Practices Manual. 

Richmond remains one of the 225 accredited public works agencies in the United States and Canada, reaffirming its leadership among cities recognized for meeting the highest standards in public service operations.

Earning APWA accreditation is a rigorous, extensive, and multi-step process that evaluates every aspect of a public works department. It begins with a comprehensive self-assessment where policies, procedures and operational practices are reviewed against national best practices. This is followed by a peer review conducted by experienced public works professionals, who verify compliance through documentation and on-site visits. The process examines al divisions ensuring the department operates efficiently, safely, and transparently. 

Richmond first earned this distinction in 2005 and has successfully maintained it through every four-year review cycle (20 years), demonstrating continuous improvement and organizational excellence across all public works divisions and in providing a valid and objective evaluation of agency programs as a service to the public and the profession.  

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our Department of Public Works team,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “When we talk about building a Thriving City that works for everyone, this is what it looks like in practice — core services delivered with excellence, accountability, and a focus on residents’ daily experience. Earning this 6th accreditation shows Richmond’s ongoing commitment to running a city that gets the basics right, every single day.”

The purpose of accreditation is to promote excellence in the operation and management of a public works agency, its programs, and employees. 

“Operating in excellence ensures that services ranging from street maintenance to solid waste collection benefits our customers. Maintaining this accreditation, that less than 1 percent of cities receive, is a significant symbol that we are delivering effective and efficient service that benefits every one of our neighborhoods,” says Odie Donald, Chief Administrative Officer.  I am excited to see our staff heroes at DPW, who have committed to making Richmond a great place to live and work get the recognition they deserve.” 

The process strengthens accountability and reinforces a culture of teamwork, succession planning, and customer service within the department. “Accreditation challenges us to be better every day and keep abreast of the most current industry standards,” said Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works. “Each cycle is an opportunity to evaluate what we do, how we do it and how we can do it even better for our community.”

Go to rva.gov/public-works to learn more about the DPW or send an email to [email protected]

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond. The Department’s mission is to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.org) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, has an office in Washington, DC, and 62 chapters in North America.

~ Work is slated to begin this month & expected completion by Fall 2026, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce the upcoming construction of a new federally funded multimodal project along Hopkins Road, from Collier Hill Road to Richmond Highway (Route 301), a corridor approximately 3.3 miles in length. Hopkins Road is an important connection to the future James River Branch Trail and Fall Line Trail, as well as several Southside neighborhoods.

The project will include street upgrades and provide important connections to the city’s bike network (Belt Boulevard, Bells Road, Warwick Road, James River Branch Trail, Holly Springs Avenue, etc.), expand safe access to jobs, housing, and services for people walking, rolling, and biking. It reflects the City’s commitment to speed management as well as sustainable, multimodal transportation solutions and safety for all roadway users, regardless of age or ability. 

Weather permitting, construction is expected to begin near the end of the month and be completed by Fall 2026.

During construction, residents may experience minor disruptions, but every effort will be made to minimize inconveniences. Please be patient and give construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones and work zones.

This project supports the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan by using our complete streets approach to improve safe access for all. This process was driven by community input through a series of surveys and public engagements. Community feedback provided valuable input throughout the design process. 

To learn more about DPW go to rva.gov/public-works or email [email protected] 

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond. The Department’s mission is to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1