Posted March 13, 2026

Richmond, VA — The Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT), in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and VCU Health System, recently launched a pilot program installing audible beacon devices at the intersection of 10th and Marshall streets. This initiative aims to improve safe access for people walking of all ages and abilities when crossing busy city intersections.

The audible beacon devices attach directly to the existing pedestrian countdown signals. 

• WALK

•     When the "WALK" signal is active, the device announces that the walk phase is on, providing clear auditory guidance. 

• Don’t’ Walk 

•     During the flashing "DON'T WALK" hand symbol (clearance phase), it emits a repeated percussive sound to alert users that the crossing time is ending, and they should not begin crossing.

This pilot represents an early and tangible outcome of the ongoing Joint Pedestrian Safety Task Force, a collaborative effort between the City of Richmond, VCU, and VCU Health System. The Task Force works to identify and implement practical measures to reduce risks to people walking or rolling, particularly in high-traffic areas near downtown campuses and medical facilities.

"Ensuring safe and inclusive access for everyone in Richmond is a top priority," said RDOT Director Andy Boneau. "By adding these audible beacons, we're taking an important step toward making our streets more accessible for residents who need additional cues at crossings. This pilot at 10th and Marshall demonstrates our commitment to quick, cheap, evidence-based solutions through strong partnerships."

The pilot will be closely monitored and evaluated for effectiveness, user feedback, any technical issues, and overall impact on safer walking for all. Following a successful evaluation period, the City will seek additional resources to expand deployment of these audible devices to other high-volume crossing locations identified through the Task Force and Vision Zero efforts.

The City of Richmond continues to advance its Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries through infrastructure improvements, education, enforcement, and growing community-based safety cultures. For more information on safer access initiatives or to provide feedback on the pilot, visit www.rva.gov or contact  DOT at RVA311.com or call  311.

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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; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Operating budgets for both departments come from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted March 13, 2026

The Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) recently awarded nearly $148 million in regional infrastructure investments over the next six years bringing significant improvements to Richmond’s road, bridges, transit, and pedestrian networks. 

 Several notable Richmond projects included in this funding are:  

• Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge Replacement: This funding provides additional resources ($13M) to existing funding (Federal RAISE Program, GO Bond, and CSX) to replace this critical link between Scott’s Addition and the Diamond District over ACCA Yard for $48M. The existing Arthur Ashe Boulevard bridge over CSX tracks is over 75 years old and the State of Good Repair program lists the existing bridge as in “Poor” condition. The bridge provides a vital connection between regional transportation systems including I-95 and I-64 and urban and commercial centers in the City of Richmond. The proposed project is for the design and construction of the bridge replacement, which will be raised to meet standard vertical clearances and span two existing CSX railway lines and two proposed tracks (one for high-speed passenger rail and the other for a freight line). This bridge highlight includes space for people who walk, roll, and bike.
• Shockoe Valley Streets Improvements: This funding provides additional resources ($14M) for existing funding (Smart Scale Program, Revenue Sharing Program, GO Bond) to construct $54M multimodal improvements in Shockoe Valley. This project includes converting Oliver Hill Way and 18th Street from one-way streets to two-way streets to improve connectivity. Roundabouts at the intersections of Oliver Hill Way and Venable Street, 18th Street and Venable Street, Mosby Street and Venable Street, and Mosby Street/East Leigh Street/O Street will improve safe access for all users regardless of age or ability or mode by reducing the number of intersection conflict points and potential for right-angle and head-on crashes, and promoting safer driver speeds. The project also provides turn lanes on Broad Street at the Oliver Hill Way intersection. Safe access for people who walk, roll, and bike will be provided with upgraded bicycle and pedestrian connections throughout the project. The project also adds complete streetscape enhancements including lighting and landscaping.
• Belt Boulevard Transit Streetscape: This funding provides additional resources ($2M) to existing funding (Smart Scale Program) to $33M construct multimodal improvements on Belt Boulevard. This project will provide two new bus rapid transit (BRT) dedicated transit-only lanes along E. Belt Boulevard (Route 161) between Midlothian Turnpike and Hull Street Road. The proposed BRT lanes will serve the proposed GRTC Pulse North-South Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route, an approximately 24-mile planned BRT system running from Magnolia Ridge Drive on US Route 1 in Henrico County, continuing through Downtown Richmond, crossing the Manchester Bridge, and terminating at Walmart Way on US Route 60 in Chesterfield County. This project also enhances the Belt Boulevard streetscape along the BRT route by providing a raised median and eliminating redundant entrances for improved access management and multimodal operations, and by providing a 10’ shared use path with 4’ buffer along the south side of the corridor and a 5’ sidewalk with 4’ buffer along the north side of the corridor for improved bike/ped safety and connectivity to the BRT route. Additionally, the project will install a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) with ADA accessible ramps, and bike, pedestrian, and transit access improvements at eight transit stops. 

The City of Richmond also supported the following regional projects that were selected: 

• Pulse BRT Western Expansion $15M
• Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Layover Facility $15M
• Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) Transit Hub $10M
• Fall Line Trail – Longdale Road Phase $6M 

“Together, with our regional partners, we are delivering projects that will serve Richmonders for generations. These improvements support stronger communities, better access to jobs and services, and a multimodal transportation system that reflects our shared priorities. I deeply appreciate the regional partnership that got us all to this point, and am so excited for the progress ahead,” said Mayor Danny Avula. 

“These investments from CVTA demonstrate the power of regional collaboration to deliver transformative transportation improvements right here in Richmond and the region,” said Director of Transportation, Andy Boenau. “By prioritizing projects that enhance safe multimodal access and local economic vitality, we're creating a city for Richmond residents, visitors, and businesses to thrive.” 

CVTA funds, generated from dedicated local sales/use taxes and wholesale fuel taxes, enable member jurisdictions like Richmond to address critical needs that improve quality of life across the nine-jurisdiction region. 

The City of Richmond remains committed to Vision Zero and Complete Streets to provide safe access to affordable housing, jobs, and services. Working closely with CVTA, PlanRVA, GRTC, and its member partners is critical to the successful implementation of these important priorities.  

For more information on CVTA and regional projects, visit cvtava.org. Updates on City-specific initiatives are available at rva.gov/public-works.

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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; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Operating budgets for both departments come from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted March 11, 2026

RICHMOND, VA. – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is kicking off its annual Neighborhood Clean-Up Program Saturday, March 14. Over the next nine months March 14 – November 5, DPW crews will visit each of the 15 neighborhood zones twice, offering residents an opportunity to safely dispose bulk items at no cost. This program is in addition to the city’s biweekly bulk and brush program. It is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance community livability, safety, and pride, aligning directly with the Mayor Avula’s vision for vibrant neighborhoods.

Program highlights and details:

• 15 Neighborhoods
  
  • Each neighborhood will receive two Saturday curbside cleanups during the program period
• Scheduled Saturdays:
  
  • The program is operational on select Saturdays, March 14 through November 5 - See the specific schedule with dates and locations in the chart below
  • Residents can also use the DPW Service Finder to verify clean-Up dates for their neighborhood
• Pickup Times:
  
  • All clean-ups are from 8 a.m. until Noon (light rain or shine)
  • Residents should place items out Friday evening
• Item Placement:
  
  • DPW crews will collect items curbside and in alleys
  • Wherever trash is normally placed to be collected
• Free Bulk Item Disposal (examples of acceptable items include):
  
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
  • Tires (four per household)
  • Appliances
  • Lawn mowers (remove gasoline)
  • Carpet
  • Brush or bulk trash items. Note: all brush must be cut into four-foot lengths and bundled
• Items NOT collected:
  
  • Electronics
  • Construction debris
  • Hazardous waste items
  • Paint
  • Glass

For more information, go to rva.gov/public-works/neighborhoodcleanups or email us at [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; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-

Posted March 3, 2026

 Who: Odie Donald, CAO for the City of Richmond; Bobby Vincent, Director of the Department Public Works (DPW); and Andy Boenau, Director of the Department of Transportation along with the DPW Roadway Maintenance Team

What: Pothole repair and demonstration 

When: Wednesday, March 4 at [Note: Press setup at 12:30 with the demonstration starting promptly at 12:30]

Where: Forest Hill Avenue and Bliley Road

Why: To highlight the City’s ongoing commitment to road maintenance and public safety. This event also kicks off the City’s three-week Pothole Blitz. Residents are encouraged to report potholes to 3-1-1 or submit them using the portal at RVA311.com

                                                                                                                                    ###

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; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Operating budgets for both departments come from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted February 27, 2026

~ Installation of permanent speed feedback signs will display driver’s real-time speed ~

Richmond, VA – This week, as part of the city’s ongoing Vision Zero commitment, the Richmond Department of Transportation (DOT) began construction to install 15 permanent speed feedback signs on high-injury network (HIN) streets at key gateway entrances into the city. These locations often see higher speeds from drivers transitioning from higher-limit roads in neighboring jurisdictions.

Speed remains the lead contributor to severe crashes. Research from the Federal Highway Administration shows speed feedback signs can reduce average vehicle speeds by 2 to 7 mph and decrease crashes by up to 45 percent in urban settings, especially in transition zones where vehicles are entering the city from areas with higher speeds.

By addressing speeding at key entry points, the City aims to create a culture shift where safe driving begins the moment motorists enter Richmond.

The signs use radar detection to measure the speed of the approaching vehicles. Drivers see their speed displayed alongside the posted speed limit. If traveling above the limit, the display flashes to alert the driver to slow down. 

“These permanent speed feedback signs send a clear message: safety is our priority,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Richmond is committed to making streets safer for everyone. The signs provide a visible, data-driven step that reinforces the city’s Vision Zero strategy while encouraging drivers to slow down.”

Locations: 

“Speed feedback signs provide immediate real-time information, so people know if they need to slow down,” said RDOT Director Andy Boenau. Even small reductions in speed significantly reduces crash severity and improves safety for everyone. 

The signs will:

• Support safety improvements on high-injury network (HIN) streets

  • HIN streets make up just 9 percent of Richmond’s total street network, yet they account for 76% of all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.
• Increase driver awareness instantly by displaying a vehicle’s real-time speed
• Encourage voluntary compliance
  
  • They are not enforcement cameras, and no tickets will be issued. They are educational, traffic-calming tools designed to encourage voluntary compliance and reinforce safe driving habits at critical entry points into the city.
• Reduce speed and severe crash outcomes
• Protect people - of all ages and abilities, whether walking, rolling, or biking
  
  • Richmond streets feature more frequent bus stops, pedestrian crossings, transit riders, and cyclists than surrounding areas 

This quick-build project received $1 million in funding from the Centra Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA). Installation is expected to be completed by this summer, weather permitting. 

The city reminds all drivers to:

• Slow down and follow posted speed limits - safer speeds protect lives

• Stay alert and focused – especially at intersections, where many severe crashes occur

• Buckle-up, all seats

• Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks – whether marked or unmarked, at intersections

• Keep your license current and renewed on time

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

We’re Social! For updates on DOT/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; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Operating budgets for both departments come from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about services, click here or call 3-1-1