Proposed improvements would enhance bicycle safety and connectivity while supporting the future Fall Line Trail 

Richmond, VA  — The City of Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) is seeking public feedback on a proposed cycle track along 6th Street between Franklin Street and Canal Street in Downtown Richmond. The project aims to create a safer, more comfortable connection for people traveling by bicycle while improving access to Downtown destinations and supporting the future Fall Line Trail. 

The proposed improvements would reconfigure a portion of 6th Street to accommodate a dedicated bicycle facility separated from motor vehicle traffic. The project is part of the City's broader efforts to expand Richmond's bicycle network, improve roadway safety and provide more transportation options for residents and visitors

Improving Safety and Connectivity Downtown:

The proposed 6th Street Cycle Track would serve as an important Downtown connection for the Fall Line Trail, a planned regional trail connecting communities across the Richmond region. 

In addition to strengthening bicycle connectivity, the project seeks to improve safety and predictability for everyone using the corridor, including pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. The proposed design would better organize how people move along 6th Street while maintaining access to surrounding businesses, destinations and transportation connections. 

The project also supports Richmond's Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries through safer street design, education and other transportation improvements. 

“Bicycle infrastructure works best when it connects people to where they want to go,” said Andy Boenau, Director of the Richmond Department of Transportation. “The 6th Street Cycle Track is an opportunity to create a safer connection through Downtown while supporting the future Fall Line Trail. Community feedback is an important part of making sure the design reflects how people use this corridor every day.”

Review the Proposed Design and Share Your Feedback:

RDOT encourages residents, Downtown businesses, commuters and anyone who travels along 6th Street to review the proposed improvements and complete a public input survey. 
Community members can explore the project corridor through two videos illustrating the proposed changes: 

• 6th Street: Franklin Street to Cary Street  
• 6th Street: Cary Street to Canal Street 

Video Disclosure: The project visualization videos were created using a combination of digital design and visualization software, with minimal use of artificial intelligence (AI). The videos are intended to illustrate the proposed improvements and do not represent a finalized design 

Take the 6th Street Cycle Track Public Input Survey Here 

Public feedback will help RDOT better understand how the corridor is currently used, identify potential safety and accessibility concerns, and evaluate opportunities to improve the proposed design. 

Survey responses will be considered alongside engineering analysis, traffic operations and other technical considerations as the project moves through the design process.

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For more information about City transportation programs and projects, visit www.rva.gov/public-works or email [email protected] . 

Follow RDOT on social media for updates on transportation projects, public meetings and safety initiatives: X (@RVA_DOT) and Instagram (@RVA_DOT) .  
 

Public meeting scheduled for Oct. 28 to review proposed pedestrian trail and bridge improvements and gather community feedback 

Richmond, VA  — The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) invites residents and community stakeholders to attend a public input meeting for the Manchester Connection to James River Project on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to review current project plans and proposed pedestrian trail and bridge improvements intended to enhance connectivity and access to the James River. Project representatives will be available to answer questions and gather public feedback.

Meeting Details

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
• Location: Main Street Station, First Floor
• Address: 1500 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219

How to Provide Public Comment

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and share their feedback. Written and oral comments will be accepted during the meeting.

Those unable to attend may submit written comments by email or mail. All comments must be emailed or postmarked by Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 .

Email: [email protected] 

Please include "Manchester Connection to James River Project" in the email subject line.

Mail: Thomas Westbrook, Project Manager City of Richmond Department of Public Works 900 E. Broad St., 6th Floor Richmond, VA 23219

Community participation is an important part of the planning process, and the City encourages residents to review the proposed improvements and share their perspectives as the project moves forward.

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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.

City invites residents to explore tree canopy maps, share feedback and plant trees

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) invites residents to explore the city's urban forest, learn about the latest tree canopy findings and participate in community events leading up to Richmond's annual Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, November 7.  

As development of the Richmond Tree Plan, the city's first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan, continues, DPW's Urban Forestry Division and its partners are visiting neighborhoods across Richmond this fall to share results from a new Tree Canopy Assessment and gather community feedback. 

The assessment provides an updated look at Richmond's tree canopy, helping identify opportunities to protect existing trees, expand tree coverage and guide future investments in the city's urban forest. 

Residents are encouraged to stop by an upcoming community pop-up to explore the latest tree canopy maps, learn how the findings will inform the Richmond Tree Plan and share their experiences and priorities for Richmond's trees. 

Upcoming Community Engagement Events: 

RVA BIG Market 

Saturday, October 24 | 8 a.m. – noon 

Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road 

In partnership with Grow RVA.   

South of the James Farmers Market 

Sunday, October 25 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.   
Forest Hill Park, 4021 Forest Hill Avenue 

In partnership with Grow RVA.   

City of Richmond Trunk or Treat  

Thursday, October 29 | 5 – 8 p.m. 

Main Street Station, North Plaza and West Parking Lot 

1500 E. Main Street 

In partnership with the Richmond Department of Transportation.  

Richmond Tree Plan Pop-Up and Community Tree Care Day 

Thursday, November 5 | 9 a.m. – noon 

Blackwell Park (Charlie Sydnor Playground) 

1400 Maury Street 

Join the Richmond Tree Plan team, Richmond Parks and Recreation, and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay for a community tree care event. Residents can learn about the Tree Canopy Assessment, share feedback and participate in volunteer tree care activities. 

Pre-registration is required for volunteer participation, register here. 

Arbor Day Ceremony and Community Tree Planting  

Saturday, November 7 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Libby Hill Park | 2801 E. Franklin Street 

The City of Richmond will celebrate Arbor Day with a ceremonial tree planting and community volunteer event at Libby Hill Park. 

Hosted in partnership with DPW's Urban Forestry Division, Richmond Parks and Recreation, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the event brings together residents, volunteers and community partners to celebrate the importance of trees and support a healthier, greener Richmond. 

Richmond has a long-standing history of recognition as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation, reflecting the city's continued commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship. 

Residents interested in participating in the volunteer planting portion of the event must register in advance.

The Richmond Tree Plan is supported by a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service the largest urban forestry grant awarded in Virginia. The investment supports the city's efforts to develop a comprehensive approach to tree preservation, planting, maintenance and community engagement. 

Led by DPW's Urban Forestry Division, the planning effort brings together city departments, community stakeholders and residents to develop strategies that support a healthy, resilient and equitable urban forest for generations to come. 

Residents can learn more about Richmond's Tree Plan and urban forestry initiatives by visiting Richmond Tree Plan | Richmond.

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Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.   
 

The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) provides essential infrastructure and public services that support the safety, accessibility and quality of life of Richmond residents. Services include street and sidewalk maintenance, solid waste collection, recycling, urban forestry, parking enforcement and right-of-way management. For more information, visit rva.gov/public-works or call 3-1-1.

Today is the last day to register to vote or update your registration before the November 3, 2026 General and Special Elections.

Today, the City of Richmond released responsive records under the Freedom of Information Act related to the recently proposed solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).  

My administration continues to support the goal of increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing long-term energy costs and saving taxpayer dollars, and advancing our commitment to a more sustainable and resilient built environment.  

In the course of working towards that goal, some of our internal processes and systems, like those related to outside employment disclosures and addressing personnel matters, did not work the way I expect them to.  

While the records released today point us towards the improvements we must—and have already started to—make, they do require additional context on two specific matters:  

1. The employee submitted the Outside Employment Form as part of the onboarding process. That form was sent to the employee’s personnel file as part of the standard onboarding process. It was not reviewed or signed by a supervisor or other administrator. Without the required review and signature, the City does not consider it an active Outside Employment Form. 
    
2. Among the records is a document "Confidential: City of Richmond Office of Sustainability ” (DO_June2026-Redacted.pdf). The accuracy of the document is under review. Additionally, neither Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Ebert nor Human Resources Director Martin were aware of the document until October 2026.  

I’ve been clear that my approach is to look for problems, find them, and fix them. Whether we uncover problems ourselves or they’re brought to our attention by others, we will not shy away from addressing them.  

That work is already underway. 

Effective November 1, the Outside Employment Form will be fully removed from the automated onboarding workflow. Those disclosures will be handled through a separate review process. 

I’m thankful for our team, who has continued to address gaps and improve processes to support our more than 4,000 City employees.