With high intensity rain events forecasted for the region, the City of Richmond is actively preparing for potential flooding and urges residents and businesses to take precautionary steps to help minimize impacts.

While weather events are beyond our control, the City’s agencies are taking proactive steps to mitigate potential effects. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has deployed crews to inspect and clear storm drains in known trouble spots. Staff remain on-call and are prepared to respond quickly to blocked inlets or drainage issues. Additional signage for flood-prone streets has been staged and is ready for deployment if needed. Residents and businesses are encouraged to play a vital role in flood prevention by keeping storm drains clear of trash, leaves, sediment, cigarette butts, and lawn debris. Blocked inlets can significantly reduce drainage capacity, leading to localized flooding, driving hazards, and property damage even during minor rain events.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is also actively engaged, coordinating signage deployment in areas with known flood risk. While the Magnolia Street flood gate is currently inoperable, signage will be placed to alert drivers. Bainbridge Street flood gates remain operational. Emergency Services Operations (ESO) teams, along with Urban Forestry, Traffic, and Maintenance crews, are on call through the night to respond as needed.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) will also be monitoring levels in the James River. James River Park System staff have protocols in place ensure the safety of all park users and have been activated with the recent rains. PRCF asks that residents adhere to the posted signage at river entry points.

City departments and partners are receiving regular weather updates and continuing coordinated response efforts to safeguard public infrastructure and community wellbeing. Flooding is a common occurrence during severe rainstorms, and several contributing factors can increase the risk. A full list of those factors is available on the City’s Stormwater Management page www.rva.gov/public-utilities/stormwater-management under the “Floodplain Management” tab. Long-term, the City’s RVAgreen 2050 plan has identified “Reducing risks and impacts to the community and natural environment from extreme precipitation and flooding” as one of its key objectives. The full plan is available at www.rvagreen2050.com/rvagreen-2050-plan.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting www.rva.gov or following us on Facebook and Instagram @RVAGov. The City of Richmond thanks the community for its cooperation and continued vigilance during this weather event.

Posted June 24, 2025

~ Stay alert, work is set to begin June 30, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, Va. –The Department of Public Works will begin construction next week to replace aging traffic signal equipment on Overbrook Road at the intersections of Tazewell Street and Fendall Avenue. The traffic signal equipment will be removed and replaced with all-way stop controls. Construction timelines include:

• The week of June 30:
  
  • The traffic control signals will be switched to an “all red flashing pattern for one week”
  • New all-way stop signs will be installed at the same time on all approaches

• The week of July 7:
  
  • The removal of the traffic control signals will begin, weather permitting
    
    • There will be intermittent lane closures
  • Once the traffic control signals, poles and other equipment have been safely removed, the all-way stop signs will provide traffic control at the intersections

Reminder guidelines for all-way stop signs:

• Come to a complete stop (even if there are no other vehicles visible)
• Always stop for people crossing the street
• The first vehicle to arrive and stop at the intersection should be the first to go
  
  • If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way

Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

For more information on the Department of Public Works, go to rva.gov/public-works or email askpublicworks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on 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 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 May 20, 2025

~ Theme: Vibrations of the Unbound with Artist Talk and Reception on June 26 from 6 – 8 p.m. ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Gallery at Main Street Station will showcase a new micro exhibit next week, June 23 through June 30. The exhibition will showcase art celebrating Juneteenth, Queer Pride, and Black Music Month.

A special “Artist Talk” will be held Thursday, June 26 from 6 – 8 pm in the Main Street Station Gallery located at 1500 East Main Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their work. It will include local food and music vendors. The following participating artists will be highlighted during the talk back session:

• Justice Dwight
• Austin Miles
• Ashley White

Additionally, the exhibition includes artwork from the following artists:

• Virginia Coleman
• Jazzmyn Ellis
• Coppere Ford
• MYLO GLOBAL
• Jonah Hodari
• Coury Jamal
• NDEFRU
• Malik Radford
• Tiara Russell
• Melchisedek Shabazz
• Nastassja E. Swift
• Jamel Walker

For more on Main Street Station, go to www.mainstreetstationrichmond.com

We’re Social! For updates on activities and events visit us on Twitter (X) @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

Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp!

Posted June 17, 2025

~ Project dates: July 2025 – Summer 2026, weather permitting; Motorists should stay alert in the work zone ~

RICHMOND, VA – Starting in early July, the City of Richmond Department of Public Works will begin a roadway improvement project in the city’s east end to enhance safety and improve traffic flow. The project will modify and reconstruct the intersection at East Main Street and Williamsburg Avenue between South 31st Street, East Main and Pear Street.

Starting, June 20, the construction team will begin placing notification signage along the corridors to alert residents and drivers about the upcoming project and closure notifications.

All westbound lanes of Williamsburg Avenue will be closed between South 31st Street and the intersection of East Main Street. Additionally, there will be temporary closures at the intersection of South 31st Street and Williamsburg Road, these closures are expected for five months. The East Main/Williamsburg Avenue intersection will remain open to traffic.

Improvements on East Main at Williamsburg Avenue include:

• Realignment of the intersection by revising the dominate traffic flow movement from East Main Street (Route 5) to Williamsburg Road
• Installing new traffic signal with pedestrian crossing buttons
• Installing and reconstruct sidewalks and install ADA accessibility
• Installing new street lighting
• Installing new pavement, signs and markings
• Upgrading drainage
• Widening of Williamsburg Avenue (minor widening)
• Installing landscape

Every effort will be made to minimize impact to the community. Drivers are urged to slow down, stay alert and give our construction workers ample space in work zones.

Weather permitting, this $4 million project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026. 

This project is in coordination with the Richmond Department of Public Utilities.

For more information on the DPW, please visit us online at 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 @DPW_RichmondVA

Project map:

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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 June 2, 2025

~ Community meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 11 ~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works will hold a community meeting to review project plans for the Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge Project on Wednesday, June 11 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia located at 2500 West Broad Street. This project will replace the existing bridge structure over the CSX Railroad at the City’s crossroads between Broad Street and Interstate I-64/I-95, adjacent to Scott’s Addition and the Diamond District.

Benefits include:

• Replacing structurally deficient bridge infrastructure
• Enhancing connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles
• Enhancing a multimodal transportation network
• Enhancing safety and lowering the risk of crashes along this high-traffic area
• Improving access to local businesses and attractions
• Promoting and supporting economic development in the vicinity

The project team along with consultants from the Timmons group will be available to answer questions.

The bridge will remain open during construction with planned traffic shifts to maintain continued access. The city will work with the community to enhance safety and reduce disruptions.

This $38 million project is funded through a combination of local and federal funding.

For more information, go to rva.gov/public-works/AABB

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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