~ The meeting will now be held on February 10 ~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) invites residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to participate in a public meeting for the Riverfront/Orleans BRT Station Streetscape Project. This $2.23 million Smart-Scale funded project focuses on improving pedestrian access, safety, and connectivity. 

The public meeting originally scheduled to January 29 has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 10, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street. 

Previous details:

The meeting will follow an open house format, allowing the community to attend any time during the two-hour window to review design plans, ask questions, and share feedback with project staff and consultants.

The project area includes East Franklin Street at 31st Street, Admiral Gravely Boulevard between Williamsburg Avenue and Gilliam Street, East Franklin Street to Williamsburg Road, Godwin Street between Williamsburg Avenue and Goodin Court, Williamsburg Avenue between Orleans Street and Hatcher Street, and Ohio Street.

Improvements include:

• Construction of new sidewalks

• Installation of ADA-accessible ramps

• Improved street lighting

• Increased green space

• Installation of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon to improve pedestrian crossings

Community input is a vital part of the City’s planning and design process. Feedback from the community helps ensure the proposed improvements reflect local needs, improve safety, and support access to transit, the riverfront, and surrounding neighborhoods. Public comments will be considered as the project move toward final design.

The deadline for public comments is February 20. Comments can be submitted using any of the following methods:

• In person at the public meeting – written and orally at the public meeting

• By email to: Mrs. Olayinka Bruce at Olayinka.Bruce@rva.gov

  • Please reference “UPC 115410 – Riverfront/Orleans BRT Station Streetscape Project” on the subject line

• By mail to: 

Department of Public Works

Mrs. Olayinka Bruce, Project Manager

900 East Broad Street, Room 603

Richmond, VA 23219

• Project plans and additional information will be available online for review and comment at: rva.gov/public-works/construction-projects-road-improvements

• Additionally, in-person at City Hall (review plans and documents)

  • Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate staff to answer questions. 

  • Call Mrs. Olayinka Bruce at 804-646-2312 or email Olayinka.Bruce@rva.gov

Smart Scale Funding is a competitive, data driven transportation funding program that uses federal and state funds to prioritize projects based on improvements to safety, accessibility, congestion reduction, and economic development.

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 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; 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 and the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes 

Richmond, VA— Last week, the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) approved a funding request from the City of Richmond in the amount of $10,369,508 to support continued development of Richmond's Diamond District project.  

Specifically, the funds will be used for transportation infrastructure improvements along the site’s major travel corridors, including improved traffic signals at Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Hermitage Road, streetlights, and additional stormwater runoff protections which would be necessary to support the low-lying area in the event of inclement weather.

“I’ve said it before, but it’s true: the vision for Diamond District is transformational not just for the City, but for the region,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “I’m incredibly grateful to CVTA and our regional partners for sharing this vision and for their support in moving Diamond District forward. We are all sure to benefit from the project and I look forward to celebrating every milestone along the way, together."

Construction of the approximately six acres of public infrastructure surrounding the district, part of Phase 1A in a 3-part development plan, began in March 2025 and has an anticipated completion date of March 2027.  

“With the CVTA’s support, we’re able to keep development on pace to meet our March 2027 target,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Sharon Ebert. “This means that downstream construction, including the remainder of Phase 1A, can continue unabated by delays to public infrastructure work. This is a major hurdle to have cleared for our short- and long-term development goals and we’re pleased to have done so with the support from our neighbors and partners.”

Established in 2020, the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) generates and manages local funds to address regional transportation needs. CVTA allows the Richmond region—comprised of nine jurisdictions including the City of Richmond, Town of Ashland, and surrounding counties—to prioritize and fund critical transportation projects that improve safety, accessibility, economic development, and overall quality of life.  

“This is a perfect example of regional collaboration gone right” said Department of Public Works Deputy Director and CVTA TAC Board Member Dironna Moore Clarke. “Funding projects like this is exactly why the CVTA exists. By helping to improve the transportation infrastructure around what is sure to be a regional entertainment hub, the CVTA is advancing safe, accessible spaces for all to enjoy.”

About the Diamond District

The Diamond District is a public-private partnership between the City of Richmond, the Richmond Economic Development Authority, and Diamond District Partners, LLC (DDP) to create a new mixed-use community anchored by the new CarMax Park and a new crescent park. DDP, led by Thalhimer Realty Partners, LLC,  is the master developer of the Diamond District and has contracted with Capstone Development, LLC and Pennrose/Nix to develop the hotel and affordable housing, respectively. Learn more at rvadiamond.com

Richmond to Deactivate City Emergency Shelter Following Winter Storm Fern  

Due to continued freezing and icy conditions, City of Richmond offices and buildings will open on a delayed schedule at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Richmond’s Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court will also be closed. Virtual services, such as 311 and Department of Utilities Call Center, will remain available. The Mayor’s declared State of Emergency ends at 7 a.m. on Jan. 28, 2026. 

Residents should visit go.rva.gov/winter-weather for the latest updates and follow the City of Richmond’s social media channels for updates on City operations. For weather updates, please monitor reliable sources of information such as the National Weather Service. 

Inclement Weather Shelters 

At 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, the City of Richmond will deactivate the City Emergency Shelter located Southside Community Center (6255 Old Warwick Road). The City’s Department of Social Service staff, who operate the City Emergency Shelter, will return to their critical social services work. The Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter (1900 Chamberlayne Avenue) and CARITAS Surge Shelter will continue regular, planned operations. 

Additionally, the City will continue to operate public libraries as warming centers during operating hours. The Main Library will open at 9 a.m. on Jan. 28 as a warming center. The city will operate an evening warming center option at the Linwood Robinson Senior Center (700 N. 26th Street).  

Richmond Ready Alerts  

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts to receive critical emergency and weather alerts from the City of Richmond. Residents can text ‘RVAREADY’ to 888-777 to receive a sign-up link or visit rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts to learn more. 

The City will continue to monitor the weather through the rest of the week. 

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La Ciudad de Richmond anuncia que abrirá al público más tarde el miércoles 28 de enero   

Richmond desactivará el Refugio Municipal de Emergencias tras el paso dela tormenta invernal Fern     

Richmond, VA  — Debido a las bajas temperaturas actuales, todas las oficinas y edificios de la Ciudad de Richmond abrirán con retraso, a partir de las 12 p.m. del miércoles 28 de enero de 2026. Los servicios virtuales, como el 311 y el centro de atención telefónica del Departamento de Servicios Públicos, seguirán estando disponibles. El Tribunal de Circuito, el Tribunal de Distrito General y el Tribunal Juvenil y de Relaciones Familiares de Richmond estarán cerrados el miércoles 28 de enero, sin opción virtual. El estado de emergencia declarado por el alcalde terminará a las 7 a.m. del miércoles 28 de enero de 2026.  

Los habitantes deben visitar  go.rva.gov/winter-weather  para obtener la información más actualizada y seguir los canales de redes sociales de la Ciudad de Richmond para mantenerse al tanto sobre las operaciones municipales. Para obtener más información sobre las condiciones meteorológicas, consulte fuentes confiables, tales como como el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional.  

Refugios ante el Mal Tiempo   

A las 9 a.m. del miércoles 28 de enero de 2026, la Ciudad de Richmond desactivará el Refugio Municipal de Emergencias temporal que está ubicado en el Centro Comunitario Southside (6255 Old Warwick Road). El personal del Departamento de Servicios Sociales que está a cargo del refugio, retornará a sus funciones esenciales de servicios sociales. Tanto el Refugio ante el Mal Tiempo del Ejército de Salvación (1900 Chamberlayne Avenue) como el Refugio Adicional de CARITAS seguirán funcionando de manera normal.  

Además, la Ciudad seguirá ofreciendo las bibliotecas públicas como centros de calefacción durante sus horarios normales de operación; la biblioteca principal (Main) funcionará así desde las 9 a.m. del 28 de enero. La Ciudad operará un centro nocturno de calefacción en el Centro para Adultos Mayores Linwood Robinson (700 N. 26th Street).   

Alertas de Richmond Ready   

Animamos a los richmondeses a inscribirse en el sistema de alertas Richmond Ready para recibir avisos críticos durante emergencias y alertas meteorológicas de la Ciudad de Richmond. Los habitantes pueden enviar el mensaje 'RVAREADY' al número 888-777 para recibir un enlace de inscripción o visitar  rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts  para obtener más información. 

La administración municipal seguirá estando pendiente del clima durante el resto de la semana

Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond Department of Public Works will resume trash collection and bulk and brush services tomorrow, Jan. 27, with limited operations.  

Residents should leave their cans at the collection point throughout the week as some routes may be inaccessible due to the inclement weather. The East Richmond Road Convenience and the Hopkins Road Transfer Station will also resume activities tomorrow starting at 7 a.m.

Residents should visit go.rva.gov/winter-weather for the latest updates and follow the City of Richmond’s social media channels for updates on City operations. For more information on weather conditions, please monitor reliable sources such as the National Weather Service. 

Richmond Ready Alerts  

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts to receive critical emergency and weather alerts from the City of Richmond. Residents can text “RVAREADY” to 888-777 to receive a sign-up link or visit rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts to learn more. 

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La recolección de basura y de residuos de jardinería y artículos grandes se reanudará mañana con servicio limitado

Richmond, Virginia - Los habitantes deben dejar sus botes de basura en el punto de recolección habitual durante toda la semana, ya que algunas rutas pueden ser inaccesibles debido al mal tiempo. El basurero municipal de East Richmond Road y la estación de transferencia de residuos de Hopkins Road también reanudarán sus operaciones mañana martes a partir de las 7 de la mañana.    

Los habitantes deben visitar go.rva.gov/winter-weather para ver las últimas actualizaciones y seguir los canales de redes sociales de la Ciudad de Richmond para mantenerse informados sobre las operaciones municipales. Para más información sobre las condiciones meteorológicas, por favor consulte fuentes confiables como el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. 

Alertas de Richmond Ready  

Animamos a los richmondeses a inscribirse en el sistema de alertas Richmond Ready para recibir avisos críticos durante emergencias y alertas meteorológicas de la Ciudad de Richmond. Los habitantes pueden enviar el mensaje 'RVAREADY' al número 888-777 para recibir un enlace de inscripción o visitar rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts para obtener más información. 

Richmond, VA — Due to winter weather conditions, City offices and buildings will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Virtual services such as 311 and Department of Utilities Call Center will remain available.  

Residents should visit go.rva.gov/winter-weather for the latest updates and follow the City of Richmond’s social media channels for updates on City operations. For more information on weather conditions, please monitor reliable sources such as the National Weather Service.  

Inclement Weather Shelters  

To protect and shelter Richmond’s most vulnerable residents, the City’s Inclement Weather Shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue and operated by the Salvation Army, will continue operations. Additionally, the City has activated its emergency inclement weather shelter, located at Southside Community Center (6255 Old Warwick Road). This shelter will remain open tonight and we will reassess its status moving forwards based on weather conditions, infrastructure environment, and shelter capacity. For more information, visit rva.gov/human-services/inclement-weather 

Richmond Ready Alerts  

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts to receive critical emergency and weather alerts from the City of Richmond. Residents can text ‘RVAREADY’ to 888-777 to receive a sign-up link or visit rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts to learn more.

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La Ciudad de Richmond permanecerá cerrada el martes 27 de enero

Richmond, Virginia — Debido a las condiciones meteorológicas invernales, las oficinas y edificios municipales permanecerán cerrados el martes 27 de enero. Los servicios virtuales, como el 311 y el centro de atención telefónica del Departamento de Servicios Públicos, seguirán estando disponibles.  

Los habitantes deben visitar go.rva.gov/winter-weather para obtener la información más actualizada y seguir los canales de redes sociales de la Ciudad de Richmond para mantenerse al tanto sobre las operaciones municipales. Para obtener más información sobre las condiciones meteorológicas, consulte fuentes confiables, tales como como el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional.  

Refugios para condiciones meteorológicas adversas  

Con el fin de proteger y abrigar a los residentes más vulnerables de Richmond, el refugio municipal para condiciones meteorológicas adversas, ubicado en 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue y gestionado por el Ejército de Salvación, seguirá operando debido a las condiciones climáticas severas. Además, la Ciudad ha activado su refugio auxiliar de emergencia, situado en el Southside Community Center (6255 Old Warwick Road). Este refugio permanecerá abierto hoy lunes y se evaluará la continuidad de apertura de acuerdo a las condiciones climáticas, las condiciones de las calles y la capacidad de los refugios. Para obtener más información, visite el sitio web rva.gov/human-services/inclement-weather.

Alertas de Richmond Ready

Animamos a los richmondeses a inscribirse en el sistema de alertas Richmond Ready para recibir avisos críticos durante emergencias y alertas meteorológicas de la Ciudad de Richmond. Los habitantes pueden enviar el mensaje 'RVAREADY' al número 888-777 para recibir un enlace de inscripción o visitar rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts para obtener más información.