Posted September 30, 2024

~ Work is slated to begin in October with expected completion by Spring 2025, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, VA. – The Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin construction in October to provide safety improvements and other upgrades to the existing traffic signal at the intersection of Chamberlayne Avenue and School Street.

Improvements include:

• Pedestrian countdown signals and push buttons
• Vehicle detector sensors
• High visibility retroreflective backplates
• High visibility crosswalks
• New accessible curb ramps

During construction, there will be intermittent lane and sidewalk closures. The contractor will use cones, barrels, arrow boards and temporary traffic signs to guide motorists and pedestrians through the work zone.  Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

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

This project was identified in the roadway safety assessment for Chamberlayne Avenue. The estimated cost for this project is $400,000.

For more information on DPW, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/public‐works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

 We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X (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; 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.

Posted September 27, 2024

The City of Richmond announces the closure of the Department of Planning, Development and Review's in-person Permits and Inspections Counter located on the first floor of City Hall (900 E. Broad Street). This closure is effective September 27, 2024 until further notice. Clients can schedule in person assistance if needed by calling 804-646-4169 or emailing pdrpermitsandinspections@rva.gov.

Permits can also be submitted online via the online portal.

Posted September 26, 2024

~ Bagged collection begins October 7 & vacuum services starts November 4 ~

RICHMOND, Va. – The City of Richmond’s annual Leaf Collection Program begins Monday, October 7.  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 7
• Up to 10 bags collected on normal trash day (place bags near supercan)
• Biodegradable bags preferred

 Unlimited Bag Collection Option

DPW has divided the city into four sectors for bagged leaves based on trash collection days. This option allows for an unlimited number of bags during an allotted collection period. Biodegradable bags are preferred.

• Sector 1: Wednesday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 11/06 and 11/20
• Sector 2: Thursday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 11/21 and 12/01
• Sector 3: Monday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 12/03 and 12/18
• Sector 4: Tuesday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 12/19 and 12/31

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 accepts bagged 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.

 Vacuum Service Option 

• Available Monday, November 4
• 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:
      
      • Department of Public Works
      • Attn: Vacuum 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

• 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
  • 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; 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.

Posted September 26, 2024

RICHMOND, Virginia – To improve emergency response times and enhance communication during crisis situations, the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response (DECPR) announced on Tuesday the implementation of a new automatic callback feature at the city’s 911 center.

Beginning on September 24, 2024, when an abandoned call is received from either a wireless or landline, a new automatic callback feature will initiate a callback to the number from which the call originated. Upon receiving the callback, the caller will have the option to be connected to the dispatch center for assistance with emergencies or non-emergencies. Callers who accidentally call 911 are encouraged to stay on the line and let the call-taker know it was an accidental call. The automated callback feature will make up to two additional attempts to reach the caller, ensuring that every effort is made to establish contact and provide necessary support.

Also, during times of high call volume, staying on the line for the next available 911 call-taker is the quickest way to receive emergency assistance.

“We are committed to providing the highest level of service to our community, especially in their most critical moments,” Stephen Willoughby, Director of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response said in a statement. “With this new feature, we aim to reduce the risk of missed calls and ensure that every caller receives the help they need when they need it most.”

DECPR encourages residents to utilize the 911 system with confidence, knowing that their safety is top priority. For more information about how to use 911 and Richmond’s ongoing commitment to community safety, please visit rva.gov/911

The City of Richmond greatly values the James River as its sole source of finished drinking water and is also very cognizant of its beloved home for recreation and beautiful aquatic life.  Over the years, the City’s commitment and work along with that of its partners has vastly improved the quality of the river with greater access to all visitors.  The Pipeline Trail, which is suspended above the James River, is the catwalk built when part of the City’s Combined Sewer System (CSS) pipe was installed nearly 50 years ago.

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are a means to keep the public informed about current events involving the modified access to the Pipeline.

1. Who is responsible for maintaining the Pipeline?

There are many stakeholders. CSX owns the railway, while the City of Richmond has multiple departments with a vested interest.  The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is responsible for maintaining the 42” sewer pipe.  The Department of Parks & Recreation (PRCF) manages all parks within the City, including the James River System.  From a city maintenance and operation perspective, the Pipeline is not within the James River Park System or trail area and therefore not maintained by PRCF.

Short- and long-term decisions about the comprised sewer pipe on the trail will include these and other stakeholders.

2. Who has the authority to limit access to the Pipeline?

Please see response #1 above.  Stakeholders are working together collaboratively.

3. Are the sewer repairs complete? And if so, why is the Pipeline closed to the public?

From a safety perspective, the area of pipe that leaked in July 2024 remains closed to the public.  The long-term plan for the compromised sewer pipe is under development by engineers.  DPU is working closely with Parks & Recreation, CSX and the City of Richmond Risk Management on the variables involved.  For this reason, the City strongly encourages the public to remain off the Pipeline while engineers focus on the long-term solution.

4. If the sewer repairs are complete, when will the large straps be removed from the sewer pipe?

While the sewer pipe is empty, abandoned, and isolated from any active CSS infrastructure, it is still compromised.  A fence has been resurrected to protect a portion of the sewer pipe, which is referred to as “the work zone”.  The goal of the fence is to avoid tampering with the existing straps, eliminate foot traffic and minimize safety concerns on this portion of the Pipeline.

5. How does this sewer pipe impact water quality for the James River?

The Pipeline is part of the City’s CSS and is a combined pipe that carries both sewer and stormwater. Any damage to or malfunction of the pipe could cause leaks, which is what occurred this summer.  It is important to note that this part of the City’s infrastructure is not included in the requirements for Senate Bill 1064, which requires the City to accelerate its work on reducing combined sewer overflows.

Senate Bill 1064 involves three specific phases to help reduce CSO overflows by 2035.

• Phase 1 – Interim Plan involving 10 projects with completion by July 1, 2027
• Phase 2 – Final Plan involving 4 projects with completion by July 1, 2035
• Phase 3 – Green Infrastructure (ongoing)

6. If the Pipeline is not included in the SB 1064 regulation, what caused the recent leaks in July 2024?

There were two separate events that occurred in July 2024:

1. On July 2, DPU reported a CSS weather event to Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as required by the City’s VPDES permit.
2. On July 15, the bypass pump, which carries flow away from the existing pipe, went offline, causing the sewer pipe to expand and overflow into the James River.

7. Is the Pipeline safe to visit?

No.  When river levels are low, the pipeline can easily be seen. The opposite occurs when the river levels are high – the pipeline is submerged beneath the fast-flowing river, making it unsafe to traverse.  Additionally, the portion of the sewer pipe located in the work zone remains compromised. DPU continues to perform regular monitoring of the pipe while engineering solutions are under review.

8. When will the public learn more about the long-term engineering design?

DPU is currently working with the engineering firm to assess both the short- and long-term needs.  DPU is committed to providing regular updates to the public via our website at www.rva.gov/public-utilities 

9. When will the public learn more about the long-term status of the Pipeline?

All stakeholders recognize the public’s interest for recreational access to this portion of the James River, which is why the decision for the long-term status will not be made lightly. This will be a shared decision amongst several stakeholders and will need to include the review and potential revision of easements, access and ownership.  In the meantime, City Councilmembers will continue to receive regular updates.

10. As a river enthusiast, are there other locations where I can access the James River?

Yes. The James River can still be accessed at locations such as Pony Pasture, Reedy Creek, Ancarrows Landing, the Wetlands, Great Shiplock Park, Belle Isle, Dock Street and Tredegar Put In.  There are also overlooks on the floodwall, which lead to both banks of the river for viewing points in addition to the access points listed above.