Systemic Sight Distance Improvements at Signalized Intersections Project 

RICHMOND, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) Transportation Engineering Division will be improving the visibility of vehicular and pedestrian traffic signal heads at 399 signalized intersections across the City. Work for the Systemic Sight Distance Improvements at Signalized Intersections Project starts Monday, November 15. Temporary lane closure notices needed for this project will be issued in advance. Project improvements include:

• Tree pruning at signalized approaches and signalized intersection corners to maintain vehicular and pedestrian signal head visibility, and
• The installation of high-visibility traffic signal backplates, also known as retroreflective backplates at 20 signalized intersections. These signal heads are more conspicuous and they increase visibility in both daytime and nighttime conditions, helping to reduce crashes at the intersection.

This project is funded throughout the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) totaling approximately $1.3 million.

For information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at https://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 Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

###

The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 178 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.

The City of Richmond’s online permitting portal will be down for a system update beginning Friday, November 12th at 4 p.m. through Tuesday, November 16th at 8 a.m. During this time, users will not have access to the permitting portal.

The system update will impact all portal operations, including submitting permit requests, pulling existing permits, paying invoices, scheduling inspections, and any other tasks typically completed within the portal.

Once restored, the portal will feature several significant interface changes. An updated user guide is available at www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/online-permit-portal to assist with the transition.

For questions or issues, please call (804) 646-4169 or email CSSHelp@richmondgov.com.

For more information about the permitting portal, visit: www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/online-permit-portal

RICHMOND, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) has begun implementation of new bike lane projects throughout the city. These projects will enhance our transportation infrastructure, improve safety for all roadway users, and are an important part of the City’s commitment to Vision Zero. Using designs selected from two public engagement opportunities, the enhanced bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure project will be completed as part of the City’s paving and resurfacing program by summer 2022 on the following corridors:

• Brookland Parkway (from Arthur Ashe Boulevard/Hermitage Road to Brook Road)
• Marshall Street (from 29^th Street to 21^st Street)
• Walmsley Boulevard (from the west City line to Belmont Road)
• Warwick Road (from Hull Street to Richmond Highway)

Of note, two additional corridors were included in the public engagement but will not be completed this fiscal year. They are: Colorado Avenue (from Hampton Street to Dance Street) and Grove Avenue (from Shadwell Road to Seneca Road). As Colorado Avenue was removed from the paving schedule, implementation of the proposed bike lane project will be delayed until the street is resurfaced. Additionally, based on feedback received, DPW will not move forward with the proposed bike lane project on Grove Avenue at this time. The street is still included as part of the paving program and will be resurfaced, but the existing conditions will be restored and no additional improvements are proposed.

This project also supports the Better Streets multimodal approach by implementing safety improvements such as high-visibility crosswalks for people who walk, accessible curb ramps for people who roll, and dedicated space for people who bike or scoot.

More information, including results from the public engagement, can be found on the City’s website at www.rva.gov/public-works/pedestrian-bicycling-and-trails  If you have any questions, please contact Emily Dalphy at 804-646-0346 or email Emily.Dalphy@rva.gov.

For information on the Department of Public Works, 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 Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

The city has hired Sabrina Joy-Hogg as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Finance and Administration.

The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Finance and Administration oversees the Finance, Budget and Strategic Planning, Human Resources, Procurement, and Information Technology Departments and reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer.

“I am fortunate to have been selected by the City of Richmond and am excited to join a stellar team of individuals,” said Ms. Joy-Hogg. “My work in international, state and local governments has taught me many valuable lessons. I look forward to using those experiences to enhance the work that Mr. Saunders and his team have already begun to provide the best city services to the people of Richmond.”

“Sabrina Joy-Hogg brings unparalleled expertise and enthusiasm to this role,” said Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders. “With her experience in a variety of comparable localities, she’ll be both an innovative and dependable addition to the team.”

“I couldn’t be more excited about bringing Ms. Joy-Hogg on as a Deputy Chief Administrative Officer,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “Our Finance and Administration portfolio is full of hardworking, creative public servants. I have no doubt that under her strong portfolio leadership, unified around a vision of efficiency and being customer-focused, they will thrive.”

Ms. Joy-Hogg has a total of three decades of experience in public service. She previously served as the Chief Deputy City Manager of Norfolk, Virginia and Deputy City Manager of Charlotte, North Carolina. Before accepting this role, she served as a residential technical advisor to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of the Republic of Uganda through the United States Treasury.

Before her time in leadership roles in Norfolk, Charlotte and the U.S. Treasury, Ms. Joy-Hogg worked as a Policy and Planning Specialist for the Commonwealth’s Department of Planning and Budget, headquartered in Richmond.

The DCAO for Finance and Administration seat was previously occupied by Lenora Reid. It had not been filled during her tenure as acting Chief Administrative Officer or during her subsequent absence.

##
 

The Inclement Weather Shelter

On October 11, 2021, Richmond City Council approved $1,781,510 in federal funds to implement a new Inclement Weather Shelter. Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) is collaborating with the City and will operate the new shelter. 

The City’s Department of Housing and Community Development identified several options for the proposed shelter. Option #1, and the preferred choice based on cost effectiveness and capacity, was to assist CCC to expand their facility located on Oliver Hill Way to provide emergency shelter to single adult individuals from inclement weather starting this fall. CCC already provides outreach, meals, and services to persons experiencing homelessness. Additionally, through a partnership with the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC) and a contract with the State, CCC currently operates a Non-Congregate Program utilizing local hotels. By expanding their Oliver Hill Way facility, at least 75 individuals seeking shelter may be served.

The new shelter considers the recommendations from the GRCoC’s Seasonal Shelter Taskforce and the City’s 2020-2030 Strategic Plan to End Homelessness.

Funding will support the proposed project, which utilizes a two-prong approach.

The first prong includes operating a temporary shelter site at a local hotel, the Quality Inn. The temporary location will be used until the renovation is completed at Oliver Hill Way. The shelter, while at the temporary site, will operate 12-15 hours per day.

The second prong is the renovation of the permanent site at Oliver Hill Way, which will operate 24/7. 

Services provided at both sites include case management, two meals per day, showers, vaccination opportunities, and the connection to healthcare/counseling and other needed resources, if occupants so choose. In addition, onsite security will be available at both the temporary and permanent sites. The new shelter is anticipated to open in early November.

The overall service delivery and funding strategy for homeless services in the region is the responsibility of the GRCoC. The City appreciates its collaboration with the GRCoC. As a member of the Continuum of Care, it will continue to work in partnership toward the ultimate goal of alleviating homelessness and providing stable, permanent housing options for all residents.