Posted March 19, 2026

WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Works (https://twitter.com/DPW_RichmondVA)  

WHAT: Street Closure 

WHEN: Starting March 20 at 6 a.m. and ending Tuesday, March 24 at 6 a.m. 

WHERE: Brook Road between Chamberlayne Parkway and Webster Street 

BACKGROUND: The area will be closed (to thru traffic) to allow CSX to work on the railroad crossing. Please follow the detour signs.

                                                                                                                          ###

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 March 19, 2026

WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Works (https://twitter.com/DPW_RichmondVA)  

WHAT: Street Closure 

WHEN: Starting March 20 at 4 a.m. and ending Tuesday, March 24 at 5 a.m. 

WHERE: Hermitage Road between Leigh and Ownby Lane

BACKGROUND: The area will be closed to allow CSX to work on the railroad crossing.

###

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’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 3-19-26

RICHMOND, Va. — Following the tragic pedestrian deaths that have occurred since December 2025, the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Commonwealth’s Highway Safety Office, are taking action with a high-visibility, citywide pedestrian safety campaign urging everyone to “See and Be Seen.”

The multi-platform campaign will run on television, radio, digital platforms, and billboards across the city. Its message is simple, but lifesaving: drivers must slow down and look for people walking, biking, and rolling. The campaign also shares practical tips to help pedestrians in Richmond stay safe, visible, and alert.

“This is a moment for action,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “We are combining education, enforcement, and engineering improvements to protect lives and make our streets safer for everyone. The safety of our neighbors and friends has to be a priority, and we need to do our part, especially when behind the wheel.”

“Seeing and being seen isn’t just a slogan, it’s a lifesaving commitment,” said DMV Commissioner Dr. Gerald F. Lackey, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “When we look out for one another, we prevent crashes, protect families, and build a safer Richmond.”

In addition to the public awareness push, the City has fast-tracked targeted infrastructure upgrades. At 10th Street and Marshall Street, Richmond’s Traffic Signal Shop installed a pilot of new audible pedestrian beacons that provide clear crossing messages and destination guidance for individuals with limited sight. From concept to activation, the project was completed in just 40 days, a testament to the City’s urgency and commitment. If successful, the technology could expand to other high pedestrian traffic areas, prioritizing Richmond’s high-injury network.

The campaign reinforces simple but powerful safety actions:

For Drivers:

• Slow down — especially near crosswalks, schools, parks, and downtown corridors.
• Stop for pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Look left, right, and left again before turning.
• Eliminate distractions — put the phone away and focus on the road.
• Yield and be patient — a few seconds can save a life.
• Never drive impaired — choose a sober ride every time.
• Take driving seriously — don't forget that driving is a huge responsibility, give it your full attention.

For Pedestrians:

• Use marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
• Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street.
• Stay alert — avoid walking while distracted by your phone or headphones.
• Be visible at night by wearing bright or reflective clothing.
• Take advantage of pedestrian signals and audible cues at intersections.

The Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office is supporting City initiatives through public education efforts and strategic messaging designed to change behavior and reinforce safe habits behind the wheel and out on the street.

For more information about pedestrian safety resources, visit the City of Richmond’s Vision Zero webpage.

Following the announcement of new leadership roles and accountability measures last fall, the City of Richmond is providing an update on the progress made by the Richmond Fire Department to strengthen operations, expand oversight, and reinforce public trust. 

Since then, the department has taken clear steps to build out its leadership team and strengthen how daily operations and resources are managed, placing a greater emphasis on consistency and responsible oversight across the department.  

Stronger Leadership and Department Oversight   

Since the initial announcement, the fire department has filled several key leadership and administrative positions to better support the department’s operations. These positions have brought an added focus to financial management, logistics, and professional standards, while providing more consistent oversight of day-to-day operations.  

“We’ve built a strong team, and they’re already delivering results,” said  Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal . “With the right people in place, we’ve been able to improve how we operate behind the scenes and a stronger sense of accountability across the department.” 

Improving How Resources Are Managed  

A major focus for the department has been strengthening how equipment, supplies, and resources are managed, particularly within the department’s logistics warehouse. To improve efficiency and accountability the department has: 

• Enhanced security and access to warehouse facilities
• Improved how inventory is tracked and managed, with clearer responsibility for how supplies are ordered, received, and handled
• Started implementing an electronic system to better track inventory and performance 

Fire Prevention and Inspection Updates  

The Fire Marshal’s Office has undergone significant changes over the past several months, with a renewed focus on how inspections are conducted and managed. Key efforts include: 

• Updating review and auditing processes to improve inspection quality and consistency.
• New control measures to ensure compliance with state and local requirements.
• Daily briefings and expanded staff training to strengthen communication and performance.
• Enhanced community outreach and coordination with partner agencies. 

Strengthening Purchasing and Financial Controls  

Richmond Fire has also implemented meaningful changes to how purchasing and spending are managed to ensure compliance with City standards and responsible use of public funds. Key improvements include: 

• Additional layers of review and approval for purchases
• New vendor verification steps before purchases are made
• Ongoing audits and monthly reviews to monitor purchasing activity
• Expanded staff training and clearer guidelines for consistent purchasing practices 

“Our focus is on building systems people can trust,” said  Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II . “These improvements serve as building blocks towards a structure of consistency, accountability, and strategic decision making across the fire service. I grow more confident daily that the department is headed in a forward direction that overcomes past obstacles.”