Posted May 19, 2025

~ Honoring the People and Projects that Keep Richmond Running ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Public Works Week (NPWW) from May 19 – 23, 2025. This year’s theme, “People, Purpose, Presence,” honors the dedicated professionals whose work supports our daily lives and strengthens communities through public infrastructure and essential services.

Richmond is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States – a recognition that underscores the city’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and public service.

Throughout the week, DPW will highlight the crucial role its teams play in building a better Richmond – from engineers and traffic technicians to maintaining roads and bridges to refuse collection, DPW employees embody the values of people-centered service, purposeful work, and reliable presence in every Richmond neighborhood.

Celebration highlights:

• Proclamation recognizing NPWW

• Literature Display: City Hall lobby | May 19 through May 23 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily) | 900 East Broad Street

• DPW Touch-A-Truck Event: Wednesday, May 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |Main Street Station (back lot)
  
  • Elementary school students have been invited to get a hand-on with DPW vehicles and meet the teams behind them, and explore how public works impacts their lives

• DPW Employee Awards Ceremony & Luncheon: Thursday, May 22 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  
  • A private, employee-only event recognizing outstanding service, employee and team awards, and commitment among DPW staff

• Speed Management Symposium: Thursday, May 22 | 4 – 6 p.m. |Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street | Free |Dinner | Open to the Public
  
  • Join us and learn about Richmond’s efforts to create safer streets at this community-focused event.

• • • What to Expect:
    • Dynamic Presentations: Vision Zero, Richmond Connects, roadway safety projects, and Richmond Police insights
    • Info Booths: Connect with various city departments and non-profits, Richmond Police, VDOT, Bike Walk RVA, and more
    • Q&A Session: Ask away!
    • Heavy Refreshments: RSVP recommended at www.rva.gov/public-works/symposium

• Live Music at Main Street Station: Thursday, May 22 | 6 – 8 p.m. at Main Street Station (Patio), 1500 East Main Street | Free | Open to the Public
  
  • Celebrate the spirit of public works with a free outdoor concert on the patio at Main Street Station. Bring family, friends, and lawn chairs for an evening of music, fun, and appreciation.

For more information about DPW, visit rva.gov/public-works or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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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 May 16, 2025

~ No art experience needed – just your time, energy, and love for Richmond ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility (OETM), a division within the Department of Public Works (DPW) invites volunteers to join them for a Community Paint Day on Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road. The event offers residents a hands-on opportunity to contribute to a public art piece that also serves a larger purpose: improving transportation safety.

The mural is a key element in a traffic calming project designed to increase pedestrian and bicyclist safety near Linwood Holton Elementary School. The artwork, inspired by the creative visions of Linwood Holton students, has been arranged into a cohesive mural by Sam Skrimpz, resident artist with the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility.

Painted directly onto portions of the street that are not intended for vehicle traffic, the mural acts as a colorful visual cue to alert drivers that they are entering a pedestrian oriented space. Street murals have been shown to help slow traffic, create a sense of place and enhance community-rooted safety culture.

The project was shaped by extensive community input gathered through the Richmond Connects outreach process, which identified local safety priorities. The mural and associated improvements are part of a broader effort to create more equitable, accessible, and vibrant public spaces across Richmond. “This mural is more than just art—it’s a tool for safety and a symbol of community collaboration,” said Dironna Clarke, DPW Deputy Director. “By inviting residents to help paint it, we’re giving them a chance to take part in shaping a safer, more connected neighborhood.”

Volunteer sign-up required, go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EACAD29AAF4C52-56805052-community

Event Details:

Who: Richmond Department of Public Works and the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility

What: Street Art Mural Installation by Community Volunteers | Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Project (LQC)

When: Saturday, May 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Intersection of Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road, near Linwood Holton Elementary School

Why: The purpose of the Community Paint Day mural installation is to enhance pedestrian, bicyclist, and driver safety at the intersection of Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road. The mural will serve as a visual traffic-calming tool, encouraging driver to slow down and look for people on foot and on bikes. Beyond improving safety, the project also aims to promote community involvement by giving residents a direct role in shaping their public spaces. This initiative reflects priorities identified through the Richmond Connects outreach process.

For more information on the LQC program and the Richmond Connects Plan, please visit https://www.rva.gov/public-works/lqc

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The Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) Program is a key initiative in the city’s efforts to promote transportation equity, improve public safety, and foster community engagement in urban planning. As the first phase of the Richmond Connects implementation process, LQC aims to address pressing safety concerns and provide more immediate solutions while longer-term, permanent infrastructure changes are being developed. Although LQC projects are not intended to replace permanent infrastructure, they provide essential, timely improvements to make streets safer and more accessible in the interim.

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 May 13, 2025

~ Reminder: current permits expire on June 30 ~

RICHMOND, Va.  – New parking decals for residents of the Fan Restricted Parking District are on sale. They cost $25 each and are limited. Both mail-in and in-person renewal options are available for qualifying residents. The current Fan parking permit expires June 30, 2025.

Residents must display the Fan permit on their cars to park more than one hour from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and, also on West Avenue, parts of Boyd and Birch Streets, and the 1600 and 1800 blocks of West Grace Street, the regulation is one hour from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Sunday.

A resident is either the residing owner of record or renter of property located within the Restricted Parking District. A City of Richmond Residential Parking Permit Application must be completed and approved prior to decal issuance. To enable the Department of Public Works to verify residency, the following information and photo identification must be provided:

• Residential property owners must provide either a copy of their real estate bill or other information that verifies ownership of the property
• Renters must provide a valid written lease for the property in the Fan Parking District, and have the appropriate approval of the property owner on the application they present

A resident of the district is defined as an owner of record or renter of property in the district and members of their immediate family who reside with the owner or renter at the address in the district:

(1) Who are licensed drivers, and

(2) Whose domicile is the address for which they are seeking to obtain the parking permit

Annual Visitor Passes also are available and limited to two per house or building address at a cost of $35 each.

Annual Visitor Passes must be purchased at the same time the Fan permit is purchased and are restricted to residential homeowners.

Property owners and renters are required to comply with the residency requirements and the motor vehicle registration requirements of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Residents can get more information, verify residency in the Fan Parking District and purchase a permit through the online portal at: https://www.rva.gov/public-works/parking-enterprise

Fan decals and applications are also available at:

• City Hall
• 900 East Board Street, Room 102
• Richmond, Virginia 23219

The office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For additional details, please use the 3-1-1 mobile app or online portal at www.RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

We’re Social! For updates on projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA

Posted April 28, 2025

~ Concert dates: May 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.~

RICHMOND, Va. – Returning by popular demand, the Music at Main Street Station Concert Series will begin this Thursday, May 1 followed by three additional concerts in May. The extra concerts will be held on the following Thursdays: May 8, 15, and closing May 22. All concerts are free and open to the public. They will be held from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. on the patio at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street Station.

Bring your family, friends, and co-workers to enjoy the magic of music against the backdrop of Richmond’s iconic and historical venue – Main Street Station. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

The concert line-up Includes - DJ Danja Mowf with Host Kai Valdez (each week) with the following musicians:  

• May 1 
  
  • Soul Expressions
• May 8
  
  • J Tucker and the Krewe
• May 15
  
  • Junkyard Band
• May 22         
  
  • High Definition Band

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or send an email to 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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Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp!

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

The City of Richmond’s Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility of the Department of Public Works will host a public engagement forum that evaluates alignment alternatives of the Fall Line Trail through Bryan Park. This informational forum will take place Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Richmond Police Department Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23220.

Serving as a gateway to the city, Bryan Park will not only house the northernmost city segment out of fourteen segments on the trail but also serve as a trailhead for thousands of existing and future park visitors. Trailhead amenities include parking, bathrooms, picnic areas, water fountains, recreational space, and picnic shelters. Having these facilities at the trailhead allows users of the trail to rest, refuel, and enjoy the natural surroundings of the space.

“The City has worked with the region through the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) on the FLT Project, as a collective investment for the region. This project will enhance accessibility and make it easier for all residents to enjoy the park and its amenities,” said Dironna Moore Clarke, Deputy Director for the Department of Public Works. “The Fall Line Trail represents the City’s commitment to enhancing community connectivity and promoting sustainable transportation options.”

The 43-mile Fall Line Trail passes through seven Virginia localities: the Town of Ashland, Hanover County, Henrico County, the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, the City of Colonial Heights, and the City of Petersburg.

For information about the trail visit:

• City of Richmond- Fall Line Trail | Richmond (rva.gov)
• Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA)- Central Virginia Transportation Authority | Plan RVA
• Sportsbackers- Fall Line - Central Virginia's Transformative Trail (falllinetrail.org)