Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond anticipates beginning the first phase of accumulated debris removal at the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge this week. Funded by the Department of Public Utilities as part of a Supplemental Environmental Project with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, this phase will remove approximately 17 tons of debris, representing about 2% of the estimated total accumulation.

When work begins, equipment will be mobilized and staged on the east end of Belle Isle at Northeast Point Beach. The beach and the path leading to it will be temporarily closed during operations. Access to the Potterfield Bridge will remain open.

The first phase of debris removal is expected to be completed in less than two weeks. Work will include removing debris from the log jam area, transporting it to the staging site and hauling it to a local commercial wood waste recycling facility, where it will be recycled into mulch.

As a pilot project, this initial phase will provide valuable insight as the City evaluates long-term solutions for managing debris accumulation in the area. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will closely monitor the work as the contractor refines the removal process and the City evaluates options for expanding future debris removal efforts.

“This initial debris removal effort is an important step toward improving the long-term health, safety and accessibility of the James River corridor around the Potterfield Bridge,” said Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “We are grateful for the support of the Department of Public Utilities, which allows us to test cost-effective methods for removing debris and evaluate approaches for future cleanup efforts.”