Posted May 18, 2026

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Public Works Week (NPWW) from May 17 – 23, 2026. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service Powered by Community” highlights how employees in public works connect to and support their local communities. 

Throughout the upcoming week, DPW will feature the crucial role its teams play in building a better Richmond – from maintain roads, alleys, sidewalks and bridges to refuse collection to engineers and traffic technicians, DPW employees embody the values of people-centered service, purposeful work, and reliable presence in every Richmond neighborhood.

Celebration highlights:

• Proclamation recognizing NPWW
• DPW Literature Display: City Hall lobby | May 18 through May 22 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily) | 900 East Broad Street
  
  • Learn more about the DPW and the essential services it provides to the community
• DPW Touch-A-Truck Event: Tuesday, May 19 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |Main Street Station (back lot)
  
  • This is a closed, invitation-only event for pre-k and elementary school students featuring guided, up-close viewing of DPW vehicles and demonstrations let by staff. Students will have the opportunity to meet the teams behind the equipment and learn how DPW supports and impacts their lives 
• Speed Management Symposium: Wednesday, May 20 | 5:30 – 8 p.m. |Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street | Free |Dinner | Open to the Public 
  
  • Join us and learn about Richmond’s efforts to reduce speeding and create safer streets at this community-focused event. 
  • What to Expect:
    
    • Dynamic Presentations – Expert talks on Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and the real health benefits of safer streets
    • Interactive Information Tables: Connect and talk with various city staff and non-profits, Richmond and VCU Police, VDOT, Drive Smart VA, Bike Walk RVA, and many more 
    • Q&A Session: Ask away! Bring your questions and ideas – this is your chance to be heard!
    • Heavy Refreshments: Good food and great conversation while you connect with neighbors who care about safer streets
    • RSVP recommended but not required at www.rva.gov/public-works/symposium
• DPW Employee Awards Ceremony & Luncheon: Thursday, May 21 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
  
  • A private, employee-only event recognizing outstanding service, employee and team awards, and commitment among DPW staff
• Live Music Concert/ Music at Main Street: Thursday, May 21 | 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Main Street Station (Patio), 1500 East Main Street | Free | Open to the Public
  
  • Music by Plunky and Oneness
  • Celebrate the spirit of public works with a free outdoor concert on the patio at Main Street Station. Bring family, friends, and lawn chairs for an evening of music, fun, and appreciation.

Richmond is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States – a recognition that underscores the city’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and public service. 

For more information about DPW, visit rva.gov/public-works or email [email protected]

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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 3-1-1.

Reminder Reposted May 18, 2026

Posted May 7, 2026

 ~ The improvement supports the City’s Vision Zero commitment to safer streets ~

RICHMOND, Va. –   As part of the City’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes, the Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) is installing a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) at the intersection of Hull Street and East 29^th Street.  Hull Street has long been a challenging street to cross. 

This project provides for the installation of the traffic signal mast arm poles, high visibility crosswalks, pedestrian countdown signals, pedestrian push buttons, and accessible curb ramps for all ages and abilities. The construction begins, weather permitting, in May and is expected to be completed by the end of summer.

“This new hybrid beacon will better protect people walking,” said Richmond Transportation Director, Andy Boenau. “Especially in a neighborhood where many rely on walking and transit access for everyday needs. 

A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) is a traffic control device designed to help people walking and rolling to safely cross higher-speed, multi-lane streets like Hull Street. 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. 

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 Virginia’s Transportation Alternative Program and our partnership with the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) and has an estimated construction cost of $440,000.

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

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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 3-1-1.

Posted May 7, 2026

WHO:   The Department of Public Works, The Clean City Commission, and The Department of Public Utilities

WHAT: Richmond Recycling & Disposal Event - More than Electronics! 

 For Richmond Residents, no business or commercial items accepted

WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: 1710 Robin Hood Road (23220) northeast corner of Robin Hood Road and Arthur Ashe Boulevard

BACKGROUND: The recycling event offers City residents an efficient option to recycle paper, household hazardous waste items and electronics to help keep hazardous waste materials out of city waterways, streams, and rivers. 

This event is available to city residents – proof of residency is required. 

Please note, this is a drive-thru event. Volunteers will remove items from the cars.

Paper Document Shredding

• Up to five (5) boxes of documents
  
  • Be sure to remove all binders, staples, and clips

Electronics (various fees apply)

• Computer systems (hard drive or CPU) and accessories (cables, wires, keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.) VCRs, camcorders, stereos, and all phones
  
  • Televisions, computer monitors and printers
• Other used electronic equipment (almost anything with a plug - see the online list for clarification, use the link below)
• Get the list of fees and the full list of electronics to recycle
  
  • Go to www.rva.gov/public-works/clean-city-commission 

Household Hazardous Waste Items (HHW)

• Oil-based Paint
• Bug spray, pesticides, rodent poison, and herbicides (Roundup, Weed B Gon etc.)
• Latex and water-based paints will not be collected. These items can be left in open paint cans until they have dried out and then put in with regular curbside trash pick-up. 

For more information on recycling or the event, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/public-works/clean-city-commission or email us at [email protected]

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA or visit the Clean City Commission’s Instagram page @rvacleancitycommission

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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 3-1-1.

Posted May 7, 2026

~ 30-day warning period will begin soon at three additional locations ~

RICHMOND, Va. – The City is expanding its Safety Camera Program to include red-light enforcement, strengthening its commitment to improving traffic safety and reducing serious crashes at high-risk intersections.

Building on the September 2025 announcement and a January 2026 update, this release highlights significant progress toward full operation of red-light running camera installations. It includes updates on newly operational locations, additional sites coming online this month, intersections currently under construction, and enforcement data.

Completed and fully operational red-light safety camera installations:

• 25th Street at Main Street
• Belvidere Street at Cary Street
• Chamberlayne Avenue at Brookland Park Boulevard
• Chamberlayne Avenue at Laburnum Avenue

As of April 29, there have been 15,903 warnings and red-light running citations issued at the four locations listed above.  

New locations: completed but not fully operational red-light safety camera installations:

• Hull Street and Warwick Road
• Hull Street and Cowardin Avenue
• Commerce Road at Maury Street 

Weather permitting, the new locations will be fully operational this month (May 2026) with 30-day warning periods beginning as the location becomes operational. During the warning period, drivers who run red lights at the three new locations will receive a warning notice rather than a citation.

• Note: After the warning period ends, red-light violations captured by these cameras will receive a $50 citation (per Code of Virginia). The citation will be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle for each violation.

Under construction: the following intersections will receive red-light safety cameras:

• Mechanicsville Turnpike at Fairfield Way
• Belt Boulevard at Hull Street Road
• German School Road at Midlothian Turnpike 

“Every red light run is a preventable tragedy in the making,” said Richmond Transportation Director, Andy Boenau. “We’re sending a clear message that Richmond prioritizes safety over shortcuts, and we’re using every tool available to eliminate traffic-related serious injuries and to save lives.”

Drivers should:

• Slow down, especially as lights turn yellow. Yellow means prepare to stop – not speed up
• Stop fully at red lights. Entering the intersection after the light turns red is a violation.
• Pay attention and avoid distractions.
• Plan ahead and leave earlier to provide additional time

Red-light running causes hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries across the country each year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2022 alone, more than 1,000 people were killed and more than 100,000 were injured in crashes caused by people driving through red lights. Cities that implement safety cameras have seen fatal red-light running crashes drop by as much as 21percent.

For more information on Richmond’s safety camera program, visit rva.gov/police/safety-camera-program.

For more information on Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/visionzero