Posted March 13, 2026

The Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) recently awarded nearly $148 million in regional infrastructure investments over the next six years bringing significant improvements to Richmond’s road, bridges, transit, and pedestrian networks. 

 Several notable Richmond projects included in this funding are:  

• Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge Replacement: This funding provides additional resources ($13M) to existing funding (Federal RAISE Program, GO Bond, and CSX) to replace this critical link between Scott’s Addition and the Diamond District over ACCA Yard for $48M. The existing Arthur Ashe Boulevard bridge over CSX tracks is over 75 years old and the State of Good Repair program lists the existing bridge as in “Poor” condition. The bridge provides a vital connection between regional transportation systems including I-95 and I-64 and urban and commercial centers in the City of Richmond. The proposed project is for the design and construction of the bridge replacement, which will be raised to meet standard vertical clearances and span two existing CSX railway lines and two proposed tracks (one for high-speed passenger rail and the other for a freight line). This bridge highlight includes space for people who walk, roll, and bike.
• Shockoe Valley Streets Improvements: This funding provides additional resources ($14M) for existing funding (Smart Scale Program, Revenue Sharing Program, GO Bond) to construct $54M multimodal improvements in Shockoe Valley. This project includes converting Oliver Hill Way and 18th Street from one-way streets to two-way streets to improve connectivity. Roundabouts at the intersections of Oliver Hill Way and Venable Street, 18th Street and Venable Street, Mosby Street and Venable Street, and Mosby Street/East Leigh Street/O Street will improve safe access for all users regardless of age or ability or mode by reducing the number of intersection conflict points and potential for right-angle and head-on crashes, and promoting safer driver speeds. The project also provides turn lanes on Broad Street at the Oliver Hill Way intersection. Safe access for people who walk, roll, and bike will be provided with upgraded bicycle and pedestrian connections throughout the project. The project also adds complete streetscape enhancements including lighting and landscaping.
• Belt Boulevard Transit Streetscape: This funding provides additional resources ($2M) to existing funding (Smart Scale Program) to $33M construct multimodal improvements on Belt Boulevard. This project will provide two new bus rapid transit (BRT) dedicated transit-only lanes along E. Belt Boulevard (Route 161) between Midlothian Turnpike and Hull Street Road. The proposed BRT lanes will serve the proposed GRTC Pulse North-South Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route, an approximately 24-mile planned BRT system running from Magnolia Ridge Drive on US Route 1 in Henrico County, continuing through Downtown Richmond, crossing the Manchester Bridge, and terminating at Walmart Way on US Route 60 in Chesterfield County. This project also enhances the Belt Boulevard streetscape along the BRT route by providing a raised median and eliminating redundant entrances for improved access management and multimodal operations, and by providing a 10’ shared use path with 4’ buffer along the south side of the corridor and a 5’ sidewalk with 4’ buffer along the north side of the corridor for improved bike/ped safety and connectivity to the BRT route. Additionally, the project will install a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) with ADA accessible ramps, and bike, pedestrian, and transit access improvements at eight transit stops. 

The City of Richmond also supported the following regional projects that were selected: 

• Pulse BRT Western Expansion $15M
• Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Layover Facility $15M
• Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) Transit Hub $10M
• Fall Line Trail – Longdale Road Phase $6M 

“Together, with our regional partners, we are delivering projects that will serve Richmonders for generations. These improvements support stronger communities, better access to jobs and services, and a multimodal transportation system that reflects our shared priorities. I deeply appreciate the regional partnership that got us all to this point, and am so excited for the progress ahead,” said Mayor Danny Avula. 

“These investments from CVTA demonstrate the power of regional collaboration to deliver transformative transportation improvements right here in Richmond and the region,” said Director of Transportation, Andy Boenau. “By prioritizing projects that enhance safe multimodal access and local economic vitality, we're creating a city for Richmond residents, visitors, and businesses to thrive.” 

CVTA funds, generated from dedicated local sales/use taxes and wholesale fuel taxes, enable member jurisdictions like Richmond to address critical needs that improve quality of life across the nine-jurisdiction region. 

The City of Richmond remains committed to Vision Zero and Complete Streets to provide safe access to affordable housing, jobs, and services. Working closely with CVTA, PlanRVA, GRTC, and its member partners is critical to the successful implementation of these important priorities.  

For more information on CVTA and regional projects, visit cvtava.org. Updates on City-specific initiatives are available at rva.gov/public-works.

###

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. Operating budgets for both departments come from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about services, click here or call 3-1-1