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Press Releases and Announcements

Richmond Department of Transportation Continues to Advance Pedestrian Safety with New Accessibility Improvements and Public Art at 2nd Street Bus Stop

Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) continues its mission to provide accessible transit for all Richmond residents with the installation of a new bus bulb-out on 2nd Street between Broad and Marshall Streets.

A bus bulb-out extends the sidewalk area into the street, creating a dedicated platform where riders can safely wait and board the bus. The design creates a level boarding area that makes transit easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities, including those using wheelchairs, mobility devices, strollers, or walkers.

“Every transit ride begins as a walking or rolling trip, and it’s paramount that we focus on safety and comfort where people are using the bus,” said Andy Boenau, RDOT Director.

The design also improves traffic operations by eliminating the need for buses to merge into and out of traffic while boarding passengers, reducing conflict points and helping buses stay on schedule.

“2026 is Richmond's Year of the Pedestrian, and projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful street design can make everyday trips safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone,” said Boenau.

This addition celebrates Jackson Ward's rich cultural history through a public art installation commissioned by Richmond artist Lizzie Brown. The installation supports Pillar 7 of the Mayor's Action Plan, advancing the vision of a city that tells its stories by celebrating Richmond's neighborhoods and preserving the cultural legacy of Jackson Ward through every day public spaces.

Brown's artwork will appear on two painted fiberglass planters placed on either side of the bus stop, transforming functional streetscape elements into public art.

“Incorporating art into the everyday is one of the surest ways we can be a city that tells its stories,” said Public Art Commission Secretary Monica Kinsey. “Lizzie is a Richmond native who understands deeply the power of public art in placemaking and we are honored to add this work to the City’s growing public art collection.”

This RDOT project is funded by the AARP Community Challenge grant program and is one of 383 projects across the country designed to make communities more livable for people of all ages and abilities, with a focus on older adults. The project also advances RDOT's Vision Zero approach to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries through a multidisciplinary approach.

For more information about RDOT programs and projects, visit www.rva.gov/public-works or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov.

Chief Edwards to Hold Briefing to Discuss Mid-Year Crime Stats

WHAT: Public Safety Mid-Year Briefing to the Community

WHEN: 10 a.m., TOMORROW, Thursday, July 9, 2026

WHERE: The briefing location is at RPD Headquarters, 200 W. Grace St.

Chief of Police Rick Edwards will address statistics from crimes that occurred in the first half of 2026 that impacted the public, department operations and current topics of interest.

BACKGROUND:

This crime briefing will inform the community of successful efforts at lowering crime trends, provide an update on Operation Safe Summer, a multi-jurisdictional operation, provide other updates, and offer opportunities for members of the public to engage in upcoming community events to participate in a joint effort to reduce crime.

Media is invited to attend.

City of Richmond to Host National Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Institute

Mayors to Explore Innovative Infrastructure Solutions

The City of Richmond will welcome mayors and local leaders from localities across the country on July 8–9, 2026, for the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Public‑Private Partnerships (P3) Institute, a two‑day workshop designed to advance the use of innovative partnerships to build and modernize critical public infrastructure.

Hosted by Richmond Mayor Danny Avula in collaboration with the Association for the Improvement of American Infrastructure (AIAI) and USCM, the Institute provides elected officials with hands‑on access to national experts, best practices, and real‑world examples of P3 projects that are transforming communities nationwide.

“This is an opportunity for city leaders to stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder and learn how to deliver infrastructure that residents can rely on efficiently, affordably, and transparently,” Mayor Avula said. “Richmond is proud to host this important conversation and share what we’re building here at home.”

“Richmond is committed to developing an environment that ensures the City’s current and future infrastructure reflects our community’s needs,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. “Hosting the P3 Institute highlights the projects we’re advancing with organizations who can help, while supporting other cities as they navigate similar challenges and opportunities. I’m excited to shine a spotlight on Richmond as a national case study that will educate localities around the country.”

Media Access: Shadow the Mayors

Media is invited to follow participants during their tour on Wednesday, July 8, as they learn more about the projects, challenges, and opportunities driving Richmond. Media are also welcome to attend on July 9 and may schedule interviews before the workshop begins at 8 a.m.

Reporters will have access to:

A July 8 bus tour of active and proposed P3 sites in Richmond (limited availability)
Interviews with attending mayors, infrastructure leaders, and national policy experts

The P3 Institute equips leaders with the tools to evaluate, structure, and implement public‑private partnerships, an increasingly vital strategy as cities face rising infrastructure costs and long-term maintenance challenges.

Key areas of focus include:

Risk mitigation and political buy‑in
Transparency and community trust
Fair and successful contracting principles
Roadmaps for project delivery from procurement through maintenance

Media RSVP & Inquiries

To request credentials or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Monica Manney, City of Richmond, Public Information Manager, at monica.manney@rva.gov.

Richmond Department of Transportation Hosts Community Conversation on the History and Future of Safer Streets For All

The Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) will host a community conversation with historian, University of Virginia professor, and author Peter Norton on Thursday, July 9 exploring how the history of American streets can inform the future of transportation in Richmond.

Norton, author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City and Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving, will explore how streets once served as shared public spaces that connected communities through walking, streetcars, and other forms of mobility before the rise of automobile-focused transportation systems.

His presentation will examine the transformation of American cities, including Richmond, as streets shifted from community spaces to primarily serving motor vehicle movement. The discussion will highlight lessons from the past and how they can help guide today's efforts to create safer, more accessible streets for people of all ages and abilities.

“As Richmond continues working toward a transportation system that serves everyone, understanding the history of our streets helps us better understand the choices we make today,” said Andy Boenau, Director of RDOT. “This conversation gives residents an opportunity to learn from the past, engage with transportation experts, and discuss how we can build a safer, more connected future for Richmond."

The event will include a presentation from Norton followed by a community question-and-answer session focused on the connection between Richmond’s transportation history and ongoing safety initiatives, including the development of the City’s first ever Pedestrian Safety Master Plan and Richmond’s Vision Zero commitment.

“Transportation is about more than how we move through the city, it is about how we access opportunities, connect with our neighbors, and experience our communities,” said Boenau. “These conversations help bring residents into the process of shaping streets that work better for everyone.”

Event Details

What: Community Conversation with Peter Norton

When: Thursday, July 9, 2026

Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Program begins at 7:00 p.m.

Where: James Branch Cabell Library 901 Park Avenue Richmond, VA 23284

The event is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and participate in the conversation about Richmond’s transportation future.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peter-norton-lecture-tickets-1992020300342

About the Richmond Department of Transportation

The Richmond Department of Transportation works to create a safe, accessible, and connected transportation system that supports the movement of people and goods throughout the City of Richmond. Through investments in infrastructure, planning, and community engagement, RDOT is working toward a transportation network that serves residents of all ages and abilities.

Richmond Department of Transportation Hosts Community Conversation on the History and Future of Safer Streets for All

Norton, author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City and Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving , will explore how streets once served as shared public spaces that connected communities through walking, streetcars, and other forms of mobility before the rise of automobile-focused transportation systems.

The event will include a presentation from Norton, followed by a community question-and-answer session focused on the connection between Richmond’s transportation history and ongoing safety initiatives, including the development of the City’s first ever Pedestrian Safety Master Plan and Richmond’s Vision Zero commitment.