City News

Press Releases and Announcements

City launches new pilot program for mattress recycling at upcoming Richmond E-Cycle Day Event

Posted August 29, 2024

This event will provide city residents with recycling options to properly dispose paper, hazardous waste items, electronics, oil-based paint, and mattresses to help keep landfills and waterways clean 

WHO:   The Department of Public Works, The Clean City Commission, The Department of Public Utilities and The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority

WHAT:  Richmond E-Cycle Day – More than Electronics!

 For Richmond Residents, no business or commercial items accepted

WHEN:  Saturday, September 21 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 City of Richmond’s E-Cycle Day 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.

New to this event, the city is excited to partner with the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority to offer residents a pilot program for mattress and box spring recycling. With limited landfill capacity, these items occupy valuable space, and they take decades to break down. Recycling them will reduce the environmental impact and will help prevent the release of harmful chemicals and other materials found in mattresses, such as flame retardants and synthetic fibers from leaching into the soil and water system. This new initiative will provide a convenient and eco-friendly solution for disposing these items properly. It also promotes a circular economy where products are reused and repurposed, leading to a more sustainable community.

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.

NEW! Mattresses and Box Springs

    • Acceptable:
      • Clean or lightly soiled
    • Unacceptable:
      • Wet, heavily soiled, or with bed bugs
    • Drop-Off Options:
  1. Starting Sunday, September 15, residents can drop off mattresses/box springs at the event location (1710 Robin Hood Road, 23220)
    1. Please place them in the designated area in the recycle container
  2. Drop-off Saturday, September 21 at the event from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • NOTE: No mattresses or box springs will be taken after 2 pm on the day of the event

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

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.

Biodegradable Lawn and Leaf Bag Give-Away (while supplies last)

  • Proof of residency is required

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 AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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 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 Hall to Close Early Due to Mechanical Issues

Media Alert

August 28, 2024
Contact: Tamara Jenkins
Phone: 804-646-1087
tamara.jenkins@rva.gov

City Hall to Close Early Due to Mechanical Issues

Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond City Hall will close at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28 due to mechanical issues with the HVAC system. All other city facilities are operational, ensuring that essential services continue without interruption, and will close at their normal hours today. City Hall is expected to operate at normal hours on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

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Richmond celebrates Fall Line Trail at Bryan Park with groundbreaking event August 28 at 11 a.m.

 

Richmond, VA –Mayor Levar Stoney is honored to announce the 13-mile alignment of the Fall Line Trail through the City of Richmond.  The 13-mile regional trail converses through the City of Richmond and was designed to spur development and improve access across the city.   The ceremonial groundbreaking for the construction of the Bryan Park segment will be held on August 28th, 2024 at 11:00 am. at the playground. The park is located at 4308 Hermitage Road.

“I’m excited to be breaking ground on this game-changing asset for the Richmond region,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “With this intentional investment, the region is solidifying itself as the premier destination for outdoor recreational activity in Commonwealth of Virginia. The Fall Line Trail provides the City with another tool in the toolbox to build upon our national profile as the best place to live, do business and raise a family.”

Serving as a gateway into the city, the Bryan Park groundbreaking represents a major milestone for the city.  One of fourteen (14) segments of the Fall Line Trail, Bryan Park will not only house the trail but also serve as a trailhead for thousands of existing and future park visitors.  Trailhead amenities include parking, bathrooms, picnic areas, water fountains, recreational space, and picnic shelters. Having these facilities at the trailheads allows users of the trail to rest, refuel, and enjoy the natural surroundings of Richmond’s Bryan Park.

“The Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility is excited to have this groundbreaking event for the Fall Line Trail (FLT) in one of Richmond’s historic parks,” said DPW Deputy Director Dironna Moore Clarke. “The city has been working with the region through the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) on the FLT Project, as a regional collective investment.  Watching it grow and unfold, and now we’re kicking off the Fall Line Trail gateway into Bryan Park, is so exciting. One of fourteen segments in Richmond, the Bryan Park FLT will enhance accessibility and make it easier for residents to enjoy the park and its amenities. It represents the city’s commitment to enhancing community connectivity and promoting sustainable transportation options.”

“As the primary funder for the Fall Line and many other regionally significant transportation projects, the Central Virginia Transportation Authority is thrilled to see the City of Richmond moving forward with implementing their segments of this once-in-a-lifetime regional transportation corridor,” said Chet Parsons, Executive Director of CVTA. “There are so many exciting parts of the Fall Line that will be developed through the City and this celebration is a great way to kick-start that process.  We look forward to the Fall Line providing health, economic, and transportation benefits to the region for years to come.”

The 43-mile Fall Line Trail is an example of a project developed and implemented through collaboration of multiple localities, the state, and local community organizations. The final path for the shared-use active transportation trail is under development with extensive public input and will connect seven localities, from the Town of Ashland, through Hanover and Henrico Counties, the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, and the Cities of Colonial Heights and Petersburg.

“The City of Richmond is taking a significant step toward realizing our region’s vision of a more connected and accessible Richmond,” said Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers. “This is the beginning of Richmond’s 13-mile segment of trail that is more than just a paved trail for people to walk and bike—it is a catalyst for development and a gateway to our city. We’re proud to be part of this milestone that enhances Bryan Park for all users and enriches our community.”

Like the very successful Virginia Capital Trail, the Fall Line Trail will improve the safety of residents who walk and bike to access buses and trains, for personal recreation and professional interest. Additionally, the Trail’s path through parks, across the James River, and adjacent to commercial and cultural centers, will draw tourist to well established attractions while promoting economic development in areas of the city that will benefit from transit-oriented development.

Investments in shared-use paths for active transportation have been very successful across America, such as in Atlanta, Georgia and Indianapolis, Indiana. The City of Richmond and the greater region engaging the Fall Line Trail believe this effort will prove impactful for economic development, social cohesion, and an improved overall quality-of-life.

For information about the trail visit:

City to Hold Follow-Up Public Meeting on Laburnum and Hermitage Intersection Project

Posted August 21, 2024

~ Open house style format to discuss survey results and encourage community engagement ~

RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of Public Works (DPW) invites the community to attend a follow-up public meeting on the Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road Intersection Project. This session will be held on Wednesday, September 4 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Linwood Holton Elementary School, 1600 West Laburnum Avenue. Residents are encouraged to attend at their convenience during the open house hours.   

The meeting will feature an informational display where participants can review preferred alternatives and get results from the previous survey along with feedback from the prior public meeting. It will also provide direct engagement with city project engineers and consultants to address concerns and make suggestions.

To review the comprehensive study for the Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road Intersection Alternatives Report, please go to: bit.ly/4cPlich

For more information about the Department, visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email askpublicworks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities, and events, follow 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.

Additional Safety Cameras Installed in Richmond School Zones

Reposted August 19, 2024

Part of ongoing efforts to better manage speeding on city of Richmond streets

RICHMOND, Va. –   The Richmond Police Department (RPD), in conjunction with the city’s Vision Zero Task Force, under the umbrella of the Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW), and with the support of the Safe and Healthy Streets Commission, the Richmond City Council, and Mayor Levar M. Stoney, are deploying safety cameras at Richmond school zones at nine additional locations:

  • Huguenot High School, 7900 block of Forest Hill Avenue
  • Lucille Brown Middle School, 6300 block of Jahnke Road
  • Mary Munford Elementary School, 4500 block of Grove Avenue
  • McClenney Elementary School, 3800 block of Chamberlayne Avenue
  • MLK, Jr. Middle School, 1000 block of Mosby Street
  • River City Middle School, 6300 block of Hull Street Road
  • Swansboro Elementary School, 3160 block of Midlothian Turnpike
  • Thomas Boushall Middle School, 3400 block of Hopkins Road
  • Westover Hills Elementary School, 1200 block of Jahnke Road

These safety cameras are being installed this week with the plan of being operational on Monday, August 19, which is the first day of school at most Richmond Public Schools. Once installed and operational, there will be a 30-day grace period for violations at each location.

The plan also calls for the installation of cameras at Richmond Technical School of the Arts (formerly George Wythe High School) and Thomas Jefferson High School.

A map of the additional safety camera locations is below.

Map_Additional_Locations_School Safety Cameras

The Vision Zero Task Force is continuing its work to improve the safety of people who walk, roll and bike across streets within school zones regardless of their age or ability.

The goal is to eliminate speeding on city streets, particularly within active school zones. 

Based upon the Code of Virginia (§ 46.2-882.1) adopted by the General Assembly and the Ordinance (2021-371) adopted by Richmond City Council with the support of Mayor Stoney, the Safe and Healthy Streets Commission, and the Vision Zero Task Force, the following key points are highlighted for the public:

  • Warning signs will be posted indicating that safety cameras to monitor vehicle speeds are in operation, two cameras at each school.
  • A warning period of 30 days will be in effect once the cameras are in operation where warnings will be issued to the owner of vehicles.
  • After the 30-day warning period, the registered owner of a vehicle shall be liable for a monetary civil penalty imposed if such vehicle is found to be traveling at speeds of at least 11 miles per hour above the posted school crossing zone or highway work zone speed limit within such school crossing zone or highway work zone, while such zone is active.
  • For the first violation following the grace period the civil penalty shall be $50.
    • For all subsequent violations the civil penalty shall be $100.
  • Safety cameras will be in operation (on days when school is in session):
    • 7:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. and
    • 2:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

The Safety Camera Program is one part of a comprehensive approach to better manage speeds within the City of Richmond. 

Incorporating recommendations from the Vision Zero Task Force, DPW uses the complete streets approach along with Vision Zero principles to change the build environment to make roadway and safety improvements, such as:

  • The construction of 200 speed tables citywide in this current fiscal year, using a $1.1 million allocation of local resources supported by the Mayor and the Richmond City Council.
  • The implementation of traffic calming measures with additional crossing enhancements for people walk, roll, or ride transit.
  • The improvement of streets using roadway conversions to prioritize transit like the Broad Street Streetscape project.
  • The installation of pedestrian hybrid beacons for people crossing multi-lane streets.
  • The reallocation of street space using roadway conversions to provide quick build bike infrastructure using the City’s resurfacing program.
  • The construction of accessible sidewalks with pedestrian countdown signals and high visibility crosswalks to transit stops.
  • The conversion of intersections into modern roundabouts.
  • Securing over $750 million in discretionary funding for transportation projects to change the built environment.
  • Retiming traffic signals to encourage speeds to follow the speed limit, creating a wait at the next red light for people that elect to speed.
  • Engaging public on developing safety culture through its Speed Management Symposiums and to share the City’s comprehensive approach to speed management.
  • Participating in an ongoing Speed Management Pilot Program.
  • Lowering all speed limits on city-maintained streets to a maximum of 35 mph, except for one regional freeway at 45 mph.
  • Launching public service announcements to encourage slowing down to a stop for people crossing the street.

The next expansion for the Safety Camera Program will bring the total number at the pilot stage to 26 safety cameras, covering 13 school zones.

RPD will continually monitor the program’s effectiveness and have the ability to move these mobile safety cameras as needed when crash data indicates a higher-priority location has been identified. The data collected by these devices is not permitted to be used in other investigations.

For more information on Safety Camera Program, please visit us online at: https://rva.gov/police/safety-camera-program

Media contact - James Mercante:

  • Mobile: (804) 363-9107
  • Office: (804) 646-5024

For more information on Vision Zero, go to https://www.rva.gov/public-works/vision-zero or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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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

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