City News

Press Releases and Announcements

Community call for input: Help shape safer streets in the city

Posted May 8, 2024

~The survey deadline is Friday, May 17 ~

RICHMOND, VA - The Department of Public Works needs feedback for several proposed traffic engineering projects aimed at supporting the city’s Vision Zero goals to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility or all. These roadway projects are primarily focused on streets identified in the city’s high injury network (HIN). The HIN streets make up only nine percent of Richmond streets, however, 77% of severe injuries and fatalities happen on these streets. To ensure the city’s transportation initiatives align with the needs and preferences of the community, the department is seeing input on the following traffic engineering projects that promote safer streets, enhance pedestrian and cyclist experiences, and reduce traffic-related risks.

  • Reconfiguration and bike lanes on Franklin Street
  • Reconfiguration and bike lanes on Hopkins Road
  • Curb extensions on Main Street
  • Curb extensions on Cary Street
  • Bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Forest Hill Avenue
  • Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon installation on Hull Street at 29th Street

Please visit https://arcg.is/01GC1n to review the project plans and submit feedback using the online survey by the May 17 deadline.

For assistance with alternative means to review and comment, please email Afshin.Familia@rva.gov

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/public-works or send an email to AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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 195 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 maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. 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

 

 

New traffic signal slated for Chamberlayne Avenue and Bacon Street to improve roadway safety

Posted May 8, 2024

 

RICHMOND, Va. –   As part of the city’s ongoing efforts to evaluate and improve city streets, the Department of Public Works will begin the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Chamberlayne Avenue and Bacon Street next month. The new traffic signal will help improve roadway safety for people who walk, roll and drive through the area.

The project will include:

  • The installation of new traffic signal mast arm poles with traffic signal heads
    • The signal heads will be equipped with retroreflective backplates which are more visible in both daytime and nighttime conditions, helping to reduce crashes
  • Vehicle detection, countdown pedestrian signal heads, and push buttons
  • The installation of high visibility crosswalks and accessibility ramps

Weather permitting, this project is expected to be completed by Spring 2025.

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.

The city operates and maintains 486 traffic signal control devices.

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/public-works or send an email to AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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 195 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 maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. 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

City introduces “Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper” Project with Pop-Up Park in Scott’s Addition

Posted May 6, 2024

~ The public is invited to attend the community block party Saturday, May 11 from noon to 5 p.m. ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility (OETM), a division within the Department of Public Works (DPW) is set to introduce a Richmond Connects, Lighter Quicker Cheaper (LQC) Project with the temporary creation of a Pop-Up Park in Scott’s Addition this Wednesday, May 8. The park will be located along Cutshaw Avenue between Wayne and Sheppard streets. It will be an extension of the current West Broad Street Green/Pollinator Park and aims to create a larger space for residents to recreate, improve pedestrian safety, and test improvements to safety, security, and climate. It will be open through May 22 to provide the community with a demonstration of what the park could look like if it’s permanently expanded.

The public is invited to attend a community block party this Saturday, May 11 from noon until 5 p.m. to see and experience the park, learn more about the LQC concept, speak with city staff and community businesses, enjoy music and food trucks.

Please visit rva.gov/public-works/lqc to complete the survey and provide feedback by Friday, May 31.

The following departments and organizations collaborated to bring this project to fruition: DPW, OETM, Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Office of Sustainability, Planning and Development Review, RVA Tool Bank and the Greater Scott’s Addition Association.

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/public-works or send an email to AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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 195 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 maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. 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

Richmond Connects aims to foster community engagement, promote inclusivity, and enhance communication among residents, local businesses and government entities in Richmond. It focuses on leveraging technology to facilitate dialogue, share information, and address issues affecting the community.

City hosting free live music concerts at Main Street Station this May

Posted May 1, 2024

~ Concert dates: May 9, 16 and 23 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.~

RICHMOND, Va. Back by popular demand, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is thrilled to announce Music at Main – a series of free music concerts featuring local musicians. The concerts will be held on select Thursdays in May from 5:30 – 8 p.m. on the patio at Main Street Station located at 1500 East Main Street.

The concert series includes DJ Danja Mowf and Host Kai Valdez (each week) with the following line-up:

  • May 9 
    • Brencore Allstars “Frankie Beverly Tribute
  • May 16
    • J Tucker and the Krewe
  • May 23          
    • Corey El
    • Sharon Rae North

Bring your friends, family, and lawn chairs to join us for a memorable evening of entertainment against the backdrop of Richmond’s iconic and historical venue - Main Street Station!

Admission is free and open to all.

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/public-works or send an email to AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 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 maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. 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

City to host symposium to provide traffic calming updates and strategies to reduce speeding

Posted April 30, 2024

 

~ The symposium is scheduled for May 14 at Main Street Station from 5:30 – 8 p.m.~

RICHMOND, Va. – Identifying increasing issues and concerns over speeding and roadway safety, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a third speed management symposium on Tuesday, May 14 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Main Street Station. The symposium will educate the community and provide information, strategies and resources on new and future projects addressing safety and speed management. It is meant to bring the community, city officials, and partner groups together for direct dialogue. The city prioritizes safety for all people regardless of the mode of transportation - walk, ride, roll, bike, ride transit or drive. It’s imperative that everyone work together to create safer streets for all.

 Participants will hear presentations on:

    • Speed Management and the Vision Zero Program
    • Richmond Connects and Safety
    • Roadway Safety Projects and the Budget Process
    • Lighter, Quicker and Cheaper Initiatives

Additionally, information tables/stations will be set-up with representatives from divisions within DPW, the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, Richmond Police, VCU Police, VCU Enforcement and Education, Fall Line Trail, Richmond Fire Department, VDOT, Plan RVA and Bike Walk RVA | Sports Backers.

The event will end with a question-and-answer session.

Please note, heavy refreshments will be served. Registration is highly recommended and needed to get an accurate food count. Please use this link to RSVP https://www.rva.gov/public-works/symposium

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/public-works or send an email to AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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 195 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 maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. 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

The City of Richmond, Virginia, in 1966, codified one of the oldest continuously operating transportation safety commissions in North America - The Safe and Healthy Streets Commission (SHSC). Since its inception, the SHSC has advised the Richmond City Council on all transportation safety matters. The SHSC has a diverse membership and includes citizens, transportation safety professionals, a city council member, the Chief of Police, the Director of Public Works, the Superintendent of Schools, and the City Transportation Engineer.

The SHSC sets annual priorities focused on executive, legislative, budgetary, and cultural changes. These priorities work towards the Richmond City Council’s 2016 goal, backed by Mayor Stoney, to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to ZERO by 2030. The SHSC’s annual priorities reflect the City’s commitment to Vision Zero, the Safe System approach (SSA), and Complete Streets policies. The SHSC adopted the twelve strategies and five supplemental planning needs, based on their set annual priorities, to improve Richmond’s built environment and strengthen the culture of safety. With its high-functioning Vision Zero organizational structure, Richmond is well positioned to implement these projects and supplemental planning activities that showcase the impact of the SSA using proven safety countermeasures and low-cost, high-impact strategies.

The Safe and Healthy Streets Commission (SHSC) adopted Richmond’s Vision Zero Action Plan in 2018, and is charged with monitoring and reporting progress on the Action Plan. The Mayor and the SHSC established a Vision Zero Task Force, made up of City department leaders, charged with implementing the strategies, projects, and policies set out in the Action Plan

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