Richmond, Va - On the morning of Tuesday, September 30 the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities will be conducting field tests on the 36" water transmission main along Hermitage Road as part of its water main relocation project. This main is being relocated in coordination with the Diamond District development project and ties into the water distribution systems for Hanover and Henrico Counties. The public utilities teams from Richmond, Hanover and Henrico have been in close coordination throughout this project and will each perform a role in the field tests on September 30. This is to ensure water system stability and resilience while the project contractor ties-in the new, relocated water main to the system - currently anticipated for mid to late October 2025.

The field tests will analyze the water distribution systems to determine if operational adjustments are needed to maintain adequate water pressure during peak demand periods for the tie-in process. The regional team will be closely monitoring and in constant contact throughout this event - which is expected to be complete by 10 a.m. that day. While there are no anticipated water service impacts to citizens, some residents in and around the North Side, Scott's Addition, Chamberlayne, Richmond Raceway, Highland Park and Mechanicsville areas may experience lower than normal water pressures during the tests, from approximately 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., while the regional public utilities teams monitor the systems and make necessary adjustments.

The City of Richmond's Office of Sustainability will host a community meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the East End Branch Library, located at 1200 N. 25th St. "Energy on the East End: Community Conversations", will share findings from a recent energy resilience assessment and invite community feedback on a proposed Resilience Hub to serve East End residents during emergencies.

The meeting is part of the Virginia Energy Resilience Study (VERS), a statewide initiative that provided the city with a $10,000 grant to assess energy vulnerabilities, develop design concepts for a solar-powered hub, and engage residents in resilience planning. Richmond's project focused on Census Tracts 201, 202 and 204, where communities face high energy burdens and disproportionate climate impacts.

The Office of Sustainability encourages East End residents to attend and share their insights. Register to attend here: Eventbrite Registration Link. More information is available at www.rvagreen2050.com.

About the Office of Sustainability:

The Office of Sustainability leads the development and implementation of RVAgreen 2050, Richmond's equity-centered climate action and resilience initiative. The office works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase community resilience to climate impacts, and ensure that frontline communities are prioritized in planning and investments. Its mission is to create a healthy, equitable and climate-resilient Richmond for current and future generations.

Lane Opening – 3200 – 3400 blocks of Williamsburg Avenue

WHO:  City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (https://twitter.com/DPUStreetNews)  
 
WHAT: Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Project Completion and Traffic Pattern Update

WHEN:  

Monday, September 29 through Friday, October 3, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Monday, October 6 through Friday, October 10, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. until 5 p.m.

October 13 through December 31, 2025, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Weekends will not have flaggers, and the impacted area will only have eastbound traffic.

WHERE: 3200 – 3400 blocks of Williamsburg Avenue

PROJECT SCOPE:  Sewer Improvements

PROJECT IMPACTS: Starting Monday, September 29, crews will open one lane of flagger assisted westbound traffic at the 3200 – 3400 blocks of Williamsburg Avenue. This lane opening will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday through December 2025.  Outside of these hours the traffic pattern will revert to eastbound only traffic for this stretch of Williamsburg Avenue between Stony Run Road and S. 31st Street.

PROJECT BACKGROUND: The CSO Outfall 004 Improvement Project on Williamsburg Avenue, part of Richmond's Combined Sewer Overflow Interim Plan, involves installing a larger pipe, manholes, a relocated outfall into Gillies Creek, and control structures to better manage flow. Once complete, it is expected to prevent about 48 overflow events and 5.1 million gallons of overflow annually. The project is fully funded by a $100 million ARPA grant.

Construction milestones include near completion of the CSO regulator structure and successful construction of the large diameter pipe tunneling in Williamsburg Road and under the railroad crossing. Due to unexpected underground conditions, the completion date has shifted from January 2025 to December 2025, though the project remains on budget.

For these and other utility related updates follow us on Twitter @DPUStreetNews. 

For the most current and up to date information regarding emergency repairs, maintenance and road closures in your area, the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities encourages you to download CivicReady. Stay updated, stay informed, stay ready. 

The red arrow on the map above shows the segment of Williamsburg Avenue that is opening for the specified dates and times.

Watch the full budget kickoff, available on YouTube.

Richmond, VA -- On September 25, Mayor Danny Avula and Richmond City Council, along with Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald, hosted a Budget Kickoff to mark the beginning of the City's refreshed budget process. City leadership reviewed changes coming to this year's budget process and renewed shared commitments to the values and priorities guiding their work. The new process is the product of a joint Budget Task Force to allow more time for budget development and to increase community engagement.

"The budget process is about dollars and cents, but it is also about choices," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Through the budget, we make choices about where we put our resources and what kind of city we want to build together, as well as how we do that. I am so proud to strengthen public participation in this important process. Richmond, we see you!"

The Budget kickoff responds to one of the six recommendations to emerge from this summer's Budget Task Force, which identified early collaboration as an important element of a revised process. The recommendations in full are as follows:

1. Early collaboration: The Mayor and Council hold a public budget kickoff to establish shared understanding of the budget process timeline and later meet for a facilitated discussion on top budget priorities
2. Restructured timeline: move up the timeline for the Mayor's budget submission
3. Efficient work sessions: reorganize budget work sessions around four City of Richmond portfolios (Human Services; Finance and Administration; Planning and Economic Development; and Operations)
4. Standardized amendment procedures: implement a standardized amendment process
5. Enhanced public engagement: conduct additional public hearings before the Mayor's submission of his budget and on Councilmember budget amendments
6. Annual review: reconvene annually for continuous improvement

"This is the first time that we have Council, Administration, and Departmental leaders assembled with buy-in and support for a joint, collaborative budget process. Because of the work of the Task Force, there will be more time and more opportunity for community input," said Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille. "I am really looking forward to the work ahead and know that we will come out with a much better product."

Following today's Budget Kickoff, the timeline will be:

• September: Public Budget Kickoff, early district priority submissions to integrate community concerns into citywide planning.
• December: Facilitated meeting to establish 5-7 shared priorities between Administration and City Council with required public hearings.
• January - February: Town halls for additional input from the community.

Posted September 25, 2025

~ Residents urged to follow sector schedules and use RVA311 to schedule vacuum service ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Department of Public Works will begin its Annual Leaf Collection Program on Monday, October 6, offering residents convenient and environmentally responsible ways to manage seasonal yard waste.  Leaf removal is vital to the health of the city’s right of way and stormwater infrastructure. The city provides residents with the following four options for leaf collection:

Bagged Collection Option 

• Starting October 6
• Up to 6 bags collected on normal trash day (place bags near supercan)
• Biodegradable bags preferred 

Unlimited Bag Collection Option 

During November & December [by sector/trash collection]

The city into four sectors for bagged leaf collection, based on trash collection schedules. During the designated period, residents can place an unlimited number of bags (at the curb) for collection.  Biodegradable bags are preferred. 

• Sector 1: Wednesday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 11/07 and 11/15
• Sector 2: Thursday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 11/21 and 11/29
• Sector 3: Monday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 12/05 and 12/13
• Sector 4: Tuesday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 12/19 and 12/27

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Options

Residents can drop off loose leaves or put them in biodegradable bags at the following locations:

• East Richmond Road Convenience Center located at 3800 East Richmond Road, or
• The Maury Street Leaf Drop-Off located at 2900 Maury Street
• Note: The Transfer station located at 3506 North Hopkins Road only acceptsbagged leaves.

Additionally, residents can compost or mulch leaves. 

• Compost bins are available for $41.50. If interested in purchasing a bin, email askpublicworks@rva.gov or call 804-646-8325 for information.
• Available Monday, November 3
• Cost: $30 fee per request (payment due prior to service)
• Scheduling: Go to www.RVA311.com or call 3-1-1
• Payment Options:
  
  • 1). COR Utility Account - $30 fee will be added to your utility bill, or
  • 2). Via Mail
    
    • Check or Money Order – payable to the City of Richmond
    • Mail payment to:
      
      • Attn: DPW Vacuum Leaf Collection Service
      • 900 East Broad Street, Room 704
      • Richmond, VA 23219
    • Note: a service request ID number is generated for requests made through the RVA311 system, please be sure to include that number on the check or money order

 Vacuum Service Option  

• Guidelines:
• Payment must be received before collection will be scheduled
• The leaves must be raked and ready for collection when the request is made
• Rake leaves to the curb or property line, but not into the street or gutters
• Remove sticks, stones or other objects that may damage equipment
• Leaves will not be collected from the alley
• What to Expect:
  
  • Once payment has been confirmed, the service will take place within 15 business days of the paid request, not including city holidays or inclement weather
  • Scheduled appointments for leaf collection cannot be accommodated
  • Vacuum service may be delayed during inclement weather
  • Note - if you have not received service within 15 business days of your request (not including city holidays) and there have been no significant weather events, please call 3-1-1)

For more information on leaf collection please visit www.rva.gov/public-works/leaf-collection or for assistance, call 3-1-1.

 We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X (formerly Twitter) @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; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW operates and maintain Main Street Station; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share and scooter program. 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.