Richmond, Va. — The City of Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) will begin resurfacing the Mayo Bridge on October 13, weather permitting. The project will improve the riding surface across the bridge and prepare the corridor for several major transportation improvements planned in the coming years. 
 

Resurfacing work is expected to take place October 13-23, weather permitting. Daily work and lane closures will occur from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the duration of the project. One lane in each direction will remain open to traffic during construction. Motorists should expect temporary traffic control measures and construction activity throughout the work zone. Detour routes will be posted to help travelers navigate the area. 
 

Work will occur between the north floodwall and south floodwall, covering the full length of the bridge approach area. Upon completion of resurfacing, the Mayo Bridge will transition from its current four-lane configuration to a two-lane pilot road diet, with one travel lane in each direction and full-width shoulders. The new lane configuration is intended to support traffic operations during the upcoming Manchester Canal Bridge Replacement Project and the Hull Street Streetscape Project, both of which will affect travel patterns in the area. 
 

The resurfacing project addresses pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. The bridge currently has a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 0, indicating pavement failure and the need for immediate rehabilitation. 
 

“This bridge surface has served Richmond well beyond its expected lifespan,” said Andy Boenau, Director of Transportation for the City of Richmond. “Resurfacing the Mayo Bridge provides a smoother, safer ride today while allowing us to test operational changes that will help manage traffic for upcoming construction projects. It also creates a more comfortable experience for people walking and rolling across the bridge as Richmond continues investing in better connections to the riverfront and Mayo Island Park.” 
 

Benefits of the Pilot Road Diet

The pilot lane configuration is designed to evaluate how the corridor functions ahead of several major capital projects while delivering immediate benefits, including:

Research conducted nationwide has shown that appropriately designed road diets can reduce speeding, improve safety for all roadway users and create more predictable traffic operations while maintaining roadway capacity. 
 

Looking Ahead

The resurfaced bridge is expected to provide reliable service until the planned replacement of the Mayo Bridge in the coming years. Observations collected during the pilot lane configuration will help the City evaluate future transportation improvements and construction staging needs. 
 

Work Zone Safety

The City reminds all travelers to slow down and remain alert when approaching construction areas. People who drive should watch for crews working near traffic and obey all temporary traffic control devices, including orange barrels, cones, signage and flagging operations.