City News

Public Works

City to Activate New Traffic Signal at Patterson Avenue and St. Christopher’s Road

Posted May 18, 2026

Slated for May 27, the signal will temporarily flash red and yellow~

RICHMOND, Va. – Part of the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance roadway safety and accessibility for all users, the Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) installed a new traffic signal at the intersection of Patterson Avenue and St. Christopher’s Road. Over the next week, drivers along these corridors will notice new traffic control signals in operation. This signal project along with the pedestrian crossing upgrades are designed to help promote safe access.

The signals are stated to be energized May 27 and temporarily placed in flash mode. During this transitional phase:

  • Patterson Avenue will display a flashing yellow light, indicating that drivers should proceed with caution
  • St. Christopher’s Road will display flashing red lights, requiring drivers to stop and yield before proceeding

The temporary flashing mode gives motorists time to adjust to the new signals before the intersection becomes fully signalized, which is scheduled for June 3.

Please continue to give our construction workers extra space and pay special attention while travelling through these new traffic patterns.

Safety Reminders:

  • Be alert while traveling through this new traffic pattern
  • Drive with extra caution as the community adjusts to the new intersection
  • Always watch for pedestrians and cyclists

Work on this project began in April 2026 and includes a range of safety and accessibility upgrades: 

  • Traffic signal mast arm poles with traffic signal heads and high visibility backplates
  • Countdown pedestrian signals with push buttons
  • ADA compliant accessible ramps with new sidewalk connections
  • High visibility crosswalk markings to improve pedestrian safety

Vision Zero emphasizes a safe systems approach to prevent severe crashes. By combining safe speeds, safe vehicles, safe roads, and safe people, and the best post-crash care, the City continues to build a healthier transportation network that prioritizes safe access using engineering, education, and enforcement.

For more information about Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/visionzero 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; 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. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

Richmond Celebrates National Public Works Week with Community Events and Employee Recognition

Posted May 18, 2026

 

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Public Works Week (NPWW) from May 17 – 23, 2026. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service Powered by Community” highlights how employees in public works connect to and support their local communities. 

Throughout the upcoming week, DPW will feature the crucial role its teams play in building a better Richmond – from maintain roads, alleys, sidewalks and bridges to refuse collection to engineers and traffic technicians, DPW employees embody the values of people-centered service, purposeful work, and reliable presence in every Richmond neighborhood.

Celebration highlights:

  • Proclamation recognizing NPWW
  • DPW Literature Display: City Hall lobby | May 18 through May 22 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily) | 900 East Broad Street
    • Learn more about the DPW and the essential services it provides to the community
  • DPW Touch-A-Truck Event: Tuesday, May 19 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |Main Street Station (back lot)
    • This is a closed, invitation-only event for pre-k and elementary school students featuring guided, up-close viewing of DPW vehicles and demonstrations let by staff. Students will have the opportunity to meet the teams behind the equipment and learn how DPW supports and impacts their lives 
  • Speed Management Symposium: Wednesday, May 20 | 5:30 – 8 p.m. |Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street | Free |Dinner | Open to the Public 
    • Join us and learn about Richmond’s efforts to reduce speeding and create safer streets at this community-focused event. 
    • What to Expect:
      • Dynamic Presentations – Expert talks on Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and the real health benefits of safer streets
      • Interactive Information Tables: Connect and talk with various city staff and non-profits, Richmond and VCU Police, VDOT, Drive Smart VA, Bike Walk RVA, and many more 
      • Q&A Session: Ask away! Bring your questions and ideas – this is your chance to be heard!
      • Heavy Refreshments: Good food and great conversation while you connect with neighbors who care about safer streets
      • RSVP recommended but not required at www.rva.gov/public-works/symposium
  • DPW Employee Awards Ceremony & Luncheon: Thursday, May 21 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
    • A private, employee-only event recognizing outstanding service, employee and team awards, and commitment among DPW staff
  • Live Music Concert/ Music at Main Street: Thursday, May 21 | 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Main Street Station (Patio), 1500 East Main Street | Free | Open to the Public
    • Music by Plunky and Oneness
    • Celebrate the spirit of public works with a free outdoor concert on the patio at Main Street Station. Bring family, friends, and lawn chairs for an evening of music, fun, and appreciation.

Richmond is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States – a recognition that underscores the city’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and public service. 

For more information about DPW, visit rva.gov/public-works or email [email protected]

 

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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. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

Reminder: City Hosting Speed Management Symposium May 20: Join the Conversation!

Reminder Reposted May 18, 2026

~ Safer streets mean slower speeds – find out what the City is doing to keep Richmond moving safely ~

 

RICHMOND, VA – The City of Richmond’s Department of Transportation (RDOT) and its many partners invite you to an action-packed Speed Management Symposium on Wednesday, May 20, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street. Come learn firsthand how the City is making neighborhoods safer for families, kids walking to school, cyclists, and drivers alike – and discover simple ways you can help. 

Over the past several years, we’ve shared real progress on slowing our streets to make them safer. At this year’s symposium, you’ll get the latest updates, including:

  • Expansion of the City’s Safety Camera Program on the high-injury street network – now enforcing both red-light running and outrageous speeding in active school zones.
  • Changes to the built environment that are shifting our safety culture, one block at a time.
  • Transportation projects – both big and small – designed to naturally slow speeds and create welcoming space for every travel choice.

What to Expect

  1. Dynamic Presentations – Expert talks on Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and the real health benefits of safer streets.
  2. Info Tables and Displays – Meet and mingle with staff from City departments, nonprofits, Richmond Police, VCU Police, VDOT, Bike Walk RVA, and many more.
  3. Live Q&A Session – Bring your questions and ideas – this is your chance to be heard!
  4. Heavy Refreshments – Good food and great conversation while you connect with neighbors who care about safer streets.

RSVP is recommended (but not required) at www.rva.gov/public-works/symposium.

Questions? Email [email protected].

 

 

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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. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

Installation Begins Soon on a New Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon at Hull and East 29th Streets

Posted May 7, 2026

 

 ~ The improvement supports the City’s Vision Zero commitment to safer streets ~

RICHMOND, Va. –   As part of the City’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes, the Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) is installing a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) at the intersection of Hull Street and East 29th Street.  Hull Street has long been a challenging street to cross. 

This project provides for the installation of the traffic signal mast arm poles, high visibility crosswalks, pedestrian countdown signals, pedestrian push buttons, and accessible curb ramps for all ages and abilities. The construction begins, weather permitting, in May and is expected to be completed by the end of summer.

“This new hybrid beacon will better protect people walking,” said Richmond Transportation Director, Andy Boenau. “Especially in a neighborhood where many rely on walking and transit access for everyday needs. 

A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) is a traffic control device designed to help people walking and rolling to safely cross higher-speed, multi-lane streets like Hull Street. The beacon head consists of two red lenses above a single yellow lens. The lenses remain “Dark” until a pedestrian pushes the call button to activate the beacon. 

Instructions on How to Use the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon:

  1. The beacon is “DARK MODE” for motorists until pedestrians/bicyclists push the button to activate it and pedestrians/bicyclists approaching the crosswalk see a steady "Don't Walk" indication.

  2. When pedestrians/bicyclists press the button:

    • Motorists will see a FLASHING YELLOW indication for a few seconds, signaling that the beacon has been activated and motorists should SLOW DOWN and be prepared to STOP

    • Pedestrians/bicyclists will continue to see a "Don't Walk" indication and must wait 

  3. The flashing yellow is followed by a SOLID YELLOW indication

    • Motorists should STOP if able to safely do so

    • Pedestrians/bicyclists will continue to see a "Don't Walk" indication and must continue to wait 

  4. The solid yellow is followed by double SOLID RED indication

    • Motorists are required to come to a complete STOP 

  5. Pedestrians/bicyclists receive a "WALK" indication and, if clear, can begin to cross the road in the marked crosswalk. The double solid red is followed by alternating FLASHING RED indication

    • Motorists are required to STOP, or remain stopped, until pedestrians/bicyclists have finished crossing the street. Drivers may proceed with caution after coming to a stop to ensure that no one else is walking across the street.

  6. Once the person has safely crossed, the beacon goes back to the DARK MODE and drivers may proceed through the crossing at or below the posted speed limit.

During construction, there will be intermittent lane and sidewalk closures. Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

This project is funded through Virginia’s Transportation Alternative Program and our partnership with the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) and has an estimated construction cost of $440,000.

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

 

 

 

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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. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

Reminder: Richmond Recycling & Disposal Event Scheduled for May 16

Posted May 7, 2026

WHO:   The Department of Public Works, The Clean City Commission, and The Department of Public Utilities

WHAT: Richmond Recycling & Disposal Event - More than Electronics

 For Richmond Residents, no business or commercial items accepted

WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: 1710 Robin Hood Road (23220) northeast corner of Robin Hood Road and Arthur Ashe Boulevard

BACKGROUND: The recycling event offers City residents an efficient option to recycle paper, household hazardous waste items and electronics to help keep hazardous waste materials out of city waterways, streams, and rivers. 

This event is available to city residents – proof of residency is required. 

Please note, this is a drive-thru event. Volunteers will remove items from the cars.

Paper Document Shredding

  • Up to five (5) boxes of documents
    • Be sure to remove all binders, staples, and clips

Electronics (various fees apply)

  • Computer systems (hard drive or CPU) and accessories (cables, wires, keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.) VCRs, camcorders, stereos, and all phones
    • Televisions, computer monitors and printers
  • Other used electronic equipment (almost anything with a plug - see the online list for clarification, use the link below)
  • Get the list of fees and the full list of electronics to recycle

Household Hazardous Waste Items (HHW)

  • Oil-based Paint
  • Bug spray, pesticides, rodent poison, and herbicides (Roundup, Weed B Gon etc.)
  • Latex and water-based paints will not be collected. These items can be left in open paint cans until they have dried out and then put in with regular curbside trash pick-up. 

For more information on recycling or the event, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/public-works/clean-city-commission or email us at [email protected]

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA or visit the Clean City Commission’s Instagram page @rvacleancitycommission

 

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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. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

 

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