Posted February 27, 2026

~ Installation of permanent speed feedback signs will display driver’s real-time speed ~

Richmond, VA – This week, as part of the city’s ongoing Vision Zero commitment, the Richmond Department of Transportation (DOT) began construction to install 15 permanent speed feedback signs on high-injury network (HIN) streets at key gateway entrances into the city. These locations often see higher speeds from drivers transitioning from higher-limit roads in neighboring jurisdictions.

Speed remains the lead contributor to severe crashes. Research from the Federal Highway Administration shows speed feedback signs can reduce average vehicle speeds by 2 to 7 mph and decrease crashes by up to 45 percent in urban settings, especially in transition zones where vehicles are entering the city from areas with higher speeds.

By addressing speeding at key entry points, the City aims to create a culture shift where safe driving begins the moment motorists enter Richmond.

The signs use radar detection to measure the speed of the approaching vehicles. Drivers see their speed displayed alongside the posted speed limit. If traveling above the limit, the display flashes to alert the driver to slow down. 

“These permanent speed feedback signs send a clear message: safety is our priority,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Richmond is committed to making streets safer for everyone. The signs provide a visible, data-driven step that reinforces the city’s Vision Zero strategy while encouraging drivers to slow down.”

Locations: 

“Speed feedback signs provide immediate real-time information, so people know if they need to slow down,” said RDOT Director Andy Boenau. Even small reductions in speed significantly reduces crash severity and improves safety for everyone. 

The signs will:

• Support safety improvements on high-injury network (HIN) streets

  • HIN streets make up just 9 percent of Richmond’s total street network, yet they account for 76% of all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.
• Increase driver awareness instantly by displaying a vehicle’s real-time speed
• Encourage voluntary compliance
  
  • They are not enforcement cameras, and no tickets will be issued. They are educational, traffic-calming tools designed to encourage voluntary compliance and reinforce safe driving habits at critical entry points into the city.
• Reduce speed and severe crash outcomes
• Protect people - of all ages and abilities, whether walking, rolling, or biking
  
  • Richmond streets feature more frequent bus stops, pedestrian crossings, transit riders, and cyclists than surrounding areas 

This quick-build project received $1 million in funding from the Centra Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA). Installation is expected to be completed by this summer, weather permitting. 

The city reminds all drivers to:

• Slow down and follow posted speed limits - safer speeds protect lives

• Stay alert and focused – especially at intersections, where many severe crashes occur

• Buckle-up, all seats

• Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks – whether marked or unmarked, at intersections

• Keep your license current and renewed on time

For more information on Richmond’s ongoing work to improve mobility for all ages, abilities, and modes of travel, please visit rva.gov/visionzero

We’re Social! For updates on DOT/DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA 

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 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; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Operating budgets for both departments come from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted February 10, 2026

~Construction is expected to be completed by Spring 2028, weather permitting ~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works will begin construction on the Jahnke Road Improvements Project in late February, weather permitting. Construction will take place along Jahnke Road between Blackmore Road and Forest Hill Avenue. Completion of this $42 million project is expected by spring 2028. 

Key improvements include: 

• Roadway: Two 11-foot travel lanes with a center median, dedicated left-turn lanes, and a new curb-and-gutter drainage system  
• Pathways: An 8-foot multi-use path on the north side and a 5-foot sidewalk on the south side will be constructed
• Streetscape: Landscaping, and safety improvements at the rail crossing shall be installed
• Traffic Control: A new signal will be installed at Forestview School Drive with automated crossing gates at the CSXT rail line
• Utilities: City water, gas service lines are also included as well as underground storm sewer

“This project reflects years of planning, designing, and public engagement to create a safer space for all users,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “The improvements prioritize pedestrian safety while strengthening our transportation network for the entire community."

“Jahnke Road’s upgrade is a part of the city’s increased Vision Zero efforts for pedestrian safety,” said Department of Transportation Director Andy Boenau. “Sidewalks and shared-use paths provide critical access to GRTC’s free public transit, which makes the bus an extension of walking.”

Roadside message boards will be in place to notify the public with the project start date. During construction, residents and businesses may experience minor disruptions, but every effort will be made to minimize inconveniences. The contractor will provide continued access for patrons and deliveries to businesses. Please be patient and give construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones and work zones.

This project supports the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan by using our complete streets approach. This process was driven by community input through public engagement. Community feedback provided valuable input throughout the design process.

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or send an email to [email protected] 

 We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 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; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Operating budgets for both departments come from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about services, click here or call 3-1-1

  ~ The meeting will now be held on February 10 ~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) invites residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to participate in a public meeting for the Riverfront/Orleans BRT Station Streetscape Project. This $2.23 million Smart-Scale funded project focuses on improving pedestrian access, safety, and connectivity. 

The public meeting originally scheduled to January 29 has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 10, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street. 

Previous details:

The meeting will follow an open house format, allowing the community to attend any time during the two-hour window to review design plans, ask questions, and share feedback with project staff and consultants.

The project area includes East Franklin Street at 31st Street, Admiral Gravely Boulevard between Williamsburg Avenue and Gilliam Street, East Franklin Street to Williamsburg Road, Godwin Street between Williamsburg Avenue and Goodin Court, Williamsburg Avenue between Orleans Street and Hatcher Street, and Ohio Street.

Improvements include:

• Construction of new sidewalks

• Installation of ADA-accessible ramps

• Improved street lighting

• Increased green space

• Installation of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon to improve pedestrian crossings

Community input is a vital part of the City’s planning and design process. Feedback from the community helps ensure the proposed improvements reflect local needs, improve safety, and support access to transit, the riverfront, and surrounding neighborhoods. Public comments will be considered as the project move toward final design.

The deadline for public comments is February 20. Comments can be submitted using any of the following methods:

• In person at the public meeting – written and orally at the public meeting

• By email to: Mrs. Olayinka Bruce at [email protected]

  • Please reference “UPC 115410 – Riverfront/Orleans BRT Station Streetscape Project” on the subject line

• By mail to: 

Department of Public Works

Mrs. Olayinka Bruce, Project Manager

900 East Broad Street, Room 603

Richmond, VA 23219

• Project plans and additional information will be available online for review and comment at: rva.gov/public-works/construction-projects-road-improvements

• Additionally, in-person at City Hall (review plans and documents)

  • Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate staff to answer questions. 

  • Call Mrs. Olayinka Bruce at 804-646-2312 or email [email protected]

Smart Scale Funding is a competitive, data driven transportation funding program that uses federal and state funds to prioritize projects based on improvements to safety, accessibility, congestion reduction, and economic development.

For more information on DPW, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at [email protected] 

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA 

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 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 issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes 

Posted January 23, 2026

RICHMOND, VA – Due to expected heavy snow accumulation and inclement weather conditions, Richmond residents may experience delays in household trash and bulk collections next week.

The safety of residents and collection crews is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, collection schedules may be adjusted to accommodate road conditions and ensure safe operations. 

Residents are asked to:

• Please leave trash carts and bulk item at the curb until collection occurs

• Avoid placing additional items in the roadway

• Exercise caution when traveling near service vehicles and snowplows

We appreciate your patience and understanding as crews work to safely resume normal collection services as weather conditions allow.

For updates visit go.rva.gov/winter-weather

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 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 issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share 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

Posted January 9, 2025

~Your voice matters: Join the conversation Jan. 14 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Main Street Station~ 

Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond, in partnership with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and Drive Smart Virginia, is launching a community-led seat belt safety initiative to further reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. The effort builds on Richmond’s ongoing Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries through safer streets, safer speeds, and safer behaviors using education, engineering, and enforcement.  

This initiative will launch with a series of free, public community meetings to increase seat belt safety and usage. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street.

Subsequent meetings will also be held at Main Street Station on the following dates: January 28, February 5, and February 19. The meetings will provide residents with a forum to share their experiences, ideas, and recommendations for improving seat belt use. Feedback from the meetings will help ensure messaging reflects community needs. 

"Improving seat belt use is a critical part of keeping people safe, but our Vision Zero work goes beyond cars to protect everyone on our streets," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Seat belts remain one of the simplest ways to save lives, yet unbelted occupants account for 65% of local crash deaths, and too many residents remain unbuckled. Through partnerships with IIHS, Drive Smart Virginia, and the community, we're working to prevent pedestrian deaths and make every street safer for all."

“Community engagement is at the heart of sustainable behavior change,” said Kristin Pettway, Executive Director for Drive Smart Virginia. “By incorporating residents’ perspectives, Richmond is setting a model for how cities can protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.” 

“Richmond’s work demonstrates the power of pairing research-based strategies with community input,” said David Harkey, President of IIHS. “Engaging residents in traffic safety initiatives helps ensure interventions are tailored to local needs.” 

The community is encouraged to attend, share their voice, bring a neighbor or friend, and register for the meeting at [email protected] to help increase seat belt safety across Richmond. 

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 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 issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share 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

 The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and evaluation and through education of consumers, policymakers, and safety professionals.

DRIVE SMART Virginia is a non-profit organization charged with raising awareness and changing behavior to improve the safety of the roadways of the Commonwealth. We have endeavored to improve the lives of all Virginians through our public information and education initiatives. Founded in 1995, the organization is led by a diverse board representing safety advocates, the insurance industry and law enforcement.