Posted September 10, 2025

~ New Safety Upgrades Support the City’s Vision Zero Commitment~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin installing raised crosswalks at five major intersections along Midlothian Turnpike, a key corridor on the city’s High Injury Network. Construction is slated for fall 2025, weather permitting. 

The raised crosswalks are planned at the following intersections between Roanoke Street and Hull Street: 

• Midlothian Turnpike at 36th Street
• Midlothian Turnpike at 33rd Street
• Midlothian Turnpike at 31st Street
• Midlothian Turnpike at 30th Street
• Midlothian Turnpike at 28th Street

This infrastructure improvement project is a significant step in advancing Richmond’s Vision Zero goals, which aim to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. 

“Raised crosswalks are a proven tool in our efforts to create safer, more equitable streets, while still maintaining access for emergency response.” said Michael B. Sawyer, City Transportation Engineer. “Through strategic quick build solutions like these, we are moving toward a future where no one loses their life or loved ones to traffic-related crashes in Richmond.”

Raised crosswalks, also known as speed tables, are a cornerstone of Richmond’s Vision Zero initiative. By physically encouraging drivers to reduce speed, these installations can lower vehicle speeds by 18 to 50 percent and reduce collisions by up to 28 percent, significantly improving safety for people who walk or roll across Midlothian Turnpike. This project will improve safe access and quality of life for Southside residents of all ages and abilities.

Residents are invited to learn more about transportation and construction projects across the city by attending RVA Builds: The Infrastructure Information InitiativeEvent on Tuesday, September 23 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 Main Street. This event will provide residents with a unique opportunity to connect with city staff, ask questions and engage with plans shaping Richmond infrastructure future. RSVP today at rva.gov/rvabuilds

To learn more about Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/visionzero to explore resources, safety initiatives, and interactive data dashboards tracking progress toward eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Richmond. 

For more information on 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 

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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  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

Posted September 10, 2025

~ Stay alert, work is set to begin October 6, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, Va. –The Department of Public Works will begin construction to replace aging traffic signal equipment with all-way stop controls at the following intersections:

• 4th Avenue at Brookland Park Boulevard

• 4th Avenue at Magnolia Street

• Meadowbridge Road at Carolina Avenue/Woodcliff Avenue

The week of October 6, weather permitting:

• 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 October 13, weather permitting: 

• 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 September 4, 2025

~ Speed reduction aligns with Vision Zero goals to prevent traffic-related deaths and serious injuries ~

Richmond, VA – In a continued effort to improve roadway safety, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be lowering the speed limit on Midlothian Turnpike between Belt Boulevard and Hull Street from 35 mph to 30 mph, effective immediately. New speed limit signage will be installed along the corridor over the next few days to reflect this change.

This adjustment is part of Richmond’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. Lowering speed limits in high-traffic areas is a proven strategy to reduce crash severity and improve outcomes for all people. 

Community members are encouraged to explore the city’s Vision Zero webpage at rva.gov/visionzero. In addition to various resources, it features two powerful dashboards: one with citywide crash statistics and the another with comprehensive speed data. These tools offer valuable insights into traffic safety and help residents stay informed about the city’s efforts to make Richmond’s streets safer.

Residents are also invited to learn more about transportation and construction projects across the city by attending RVA Builds: The Infrastructure Information Initiative Event on Tuesday, September 23 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 Main Street. This event will provide residents with a unique opportunity to connect with city staff, ask questions and engage with plans shaping Richmond infrastructure future. RSVP today at rva.gov/rvabuilds

For more information on 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

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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; 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

Posted August 27, 2025

~ A behind the scenes look at city construction projects happening near your neighborhood ~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is hosting a first-of-its-kind, public-facing infrastructure showcase to provide residents with an insider’s look at construction projects at RVA Builds: The Infrastructure Information Initiative. This open house event will bring departments across the city together giving residents an opportunity to engage with multiple departments in one location. The event will be held Tuesday, September 23 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street.

“This is a chance for the community to speak directly with the teams who design, build, and improve our city,” said Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works. “It’s about transparency and connection. We want residents to understand how decisions are made, how projects are prioritized, and how they can get involved.”

What to expect:

• Information tables
  
  • Talk with engineers, architects, planners, and designers behind major capital improvement projects (CIP) and Lighter Quicker Cheaper Projects
  • Departments include:
  • Public Works and the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, Public Utilities, Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Planning and Development Review, Economic Development Authority, General Services, and other partner agencies
• Learn about current and upcoming roadway improvements, bridge, park, transportation, special utility projects and other construction
  
  • See maps, rendering, and visuals of projects across the city
  • Special presentations with project overviews
• Question and Answer Session
• Dinner – RSVP needed for the food count
  
  • Please register by September 22 at rva.gov/public-works/rvabuilds

For more information on 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 

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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  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

Posted August 19, 2025

~ Starting August 26, 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 Department of Public Works (DPW) installed a new traffic signal at the intersection of Patterson Avenue and Pepper Avenue. It will be energized August 26 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

• Pepper Avenue will display flashing red lights, requiring drivers to stop and yield before proceeding

The temporary flashing mode gives motorists an opportunity to adjust to the new signal ahead of it being set to function as a fully signalized intersection on September 2.

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 January 2025 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

For more information on 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

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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  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