Reposted August 19, 2024

Part of ongoing efforts to better manage speeding on city of Richmond streets

RICHMOND, Va. –   The Richmond Police Department (RPD), in conjunction with the city’s Vision Zero Task Force, under the umbrella of the Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW), and with the support of the Safe and Healthy Streets Commission, the Richmond City Council, and Mayor Levar M. Stoney, are deploying safety cameras at Richmond school zones at nine additional locations:

• Huguenot High School, 7900 block of Forest Hill Avenue
• Lucille Brown Middle School, 6300 block of Jahnke Road
• Mary Munford Elementary School, 4500 block of Grove Avenue
• McClenney Elementary School, 3800 block of Chamberlayne Avenue
• MLK, Jr. Middle School, 1000 block of Mosby Street
• River City Middle School, 6300 block of Hull Street Road
• Swansboro Elementary School, 3160 block of Midlothian Turnpike
• Thomas Boushall Middle School, 3400 block of Hopkins Road
• Westover Hills Elementary School, 1200 block of Jahnke Road

These safety cameras are being installed this week with the plan of being operational on Monday, August 19, which is the first day of school at most Richmond Public Schools. Once installed and operational, there will be a 30-day grace period for violations at each location.

The plan also calls for the installation of cameras at Richmond Technical School of the Arts (formerly George Wythe High School) and Thomas Jefferson High School.

A map of the additional safety camera locations is below.

The Vision Zero Task Force is continuing its work to improve the safety of people who walk, roll and bike across streets within school zones regardless of their age or ability.

The goal is to eliminate speeding on city streets, particularly within active school zones. 

Based upon the Code of Virginia (§ 46.2-882.1) adopted by the General Assembly and the Ordinance (2021-371) adopted by Richmond City Council with the support of Mayor Stoney, the Safe and Healthy Streets Commission, and the Vision Zero Task Force, the following key points are highlighted for the public:

• Warning signs will be posted indicating that safety cameras to monitor vehicle speeds are in operation, two cameras at each school.
• A warning period of 30 days will be in effect once the cameras are in operation where warnings will be issued to the owner of vehicles.
• After the 30-day warning period, the registered owner of a vehicle shall be liable for a monetary civil penalty imposed if such vehicle is found to be traveling at speeds of at least 11 miles per hour above the posted school crossing zone or highway work zone speed limit within such school crossing zone or highway work zone, while such zone is active.
• For the first violation following the grace period the civil penalty shall be $50.
  • For all subsequent violations the civil penalty shall be $100.
• Safety cameras will be in operation (on days when school is in session):
  • 7:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. and
  • 2:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

The Safety Camera Program is one part of a comprehensive approach to better manage speeds within the City of Richmond. 

Incorporating recommendations from the Vision Zero Task Force, DPW uses the complete streets approach along with Vision Zero principles to change the build environment to make roadway and safety improvements, such as:

• The construction of 200 speed tables citywide in this current fiscal year, using a $1.1 million allocation of local resources supported by the Mayor and the Richmond City Council.
• The implementation of traffic calming measures with additional crossing enhancements for people walk, roll, or ride transit.
• The improvement of streets using roadway conversions to prioritize transit like the Broad Street Streetscape project.
• The installation of pedestrian hybrid beacons for people crossing multi-lane streets.
• The reallocation of street space using roadway conversions to provide quick build bike infrastructure using the City’s resurfacing program.
• The construction of accessible sidewalks with pedestrian countdown signals and high visibility crosswalks to transit stops.
• The conversion of intersections into modern roundabouts.
• Securing over $750 million in discretionary funding for transportation projects to change the built environment.
• Retiming traffic signals to encourage speeds to follow the speed limit, creating a wait at the next red light for people that elect to speed.
• Engaging public on developing safety culture through its Speed Management Symposiums and to share the City’s comprehensive approach to speed management.
• Participating in an ongoing Speed Management Pilot Program.
• Lowering all speed limits on city-maintained streets to a maximum of 35 mph, except for one regional freeway at 45 mph.
• Launching public service announcements to encourage slowing down to a stop for people crossing the street.

The next expansion for the Safety Camera Program will bring the total number at the pilot stage to 26 safety cameras, covering 13 school zones.

RPD will continually monitor the program’s effectiveness and have the ability to move these mobile safety cameras as needed when crash data indicates a higher-priority location has been identified. The data collected by these devices is not permitted to be used in other investigations.

For more information on Safety Camera Program, please visit us online at: https://rva.gov/police/safety-camera-program

Media contact - James Mercante:

• Mobile: (804) 363-9107
• Office: (804) 646-5024

For more information on Vision Zero, go to https://www.rva.gov/public-works/vision-zero 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 August 7, 2024

~ Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late spring 2025 ~

RICHMOND, Va.  – The Department of Public Works recently started construction on Phase II of the CVT Canal Walk Improvement Project. The construction area includes the south side of the canal at the pedestrian bridge crossing near the intersection of 15th and Dock streets. The project will provide improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along the Canal Walk.

Project improvements include:

• Installing ramp extensions
• Installing retaining walls to support the embankment along the ramp
• Adding landscaping and hardscape consistent with the existing Canal Walk
• Construction of a shared use path
• Installing granite curbs, grading, and erosion and sediment control

Weather permitting, this project is projected to be completed by late spring 2025.

Funding for the project was provided by the Federal Transportation Alternative Program with a twenty percent matching contribution from the city.

For more information on the Department, go to www.rva.gov/public-works or email 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 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 August 1, 2024

~ Current parking decal expires August 31, 2024 ~

RICHMOND, Va.  – New parking decals for qualifying residents in the Historic Jackson Ward District are now on sale for $25. The current decal expires August 31. Residents can get more information, verify residency, and purchase a permit through the online portal www.rva.gov/public-works/parking-enterprise. Additionally, both mail-in and in-person renewal options are available.

Residents must display the permit on their car to park for more than the designed time restriction. 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. The Department of General Services verifies residency for both homeowners residing at the property and lease agreements for renters.

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

The following information and picture identification must be provided:

1. Property owners must provide either a copy of their real estate bill or other information that verifies ownership of the property
2. Renters must provide a valid written lease for property in the restricted parking district, and have the appropriate approval of the property owner on the application they present

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.

Decals and applications are also available at City Hall, Room 102, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 804-646-5700 if you have any questions or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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 DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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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.

~ Community-supported project scheduled to begin next month, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, Va. –  The Department of Public Works is scheduled to begin construction on an enhanced multi-modal project along Forest Hill Avenue from 34th Street to Semmes Avenue and the intersection of Forest Hill Avenue and Semmes Avenue next month, weather permitting.

Project plans include: 

• Phase I:
  
  • Removing the traffic signal at the intersection of Forest Hill Avenue, Semmes Avenue and Dundee Avenue
    
    • To control traffic, a temporary signal will be installed at the intersection of 34th Street and Semmes Avenue
  • Installing sidewalks
  • Converting the westbound lane of Forest Hill Avenue between 34^th Street and Semmes Avenue into 23 back-in parking spaces and utilizing the remaining lane as a one-way eastbound lane
  • Adding crosswalks and curb ramps
• Phase II:
  
  • Installing a new permanent traffic signal at the intersection of 34th Street and Semmes Avenue
  • Adding a pedestrian crossing with a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) on Forest Hill Avenue, west of Carson Street
    
    • PHBs are pedestrian actuated traffic signals that remain dark until activated (typically by a pushbutton). They help increase driver attention to pedestrians crossing the roadway and improve safety

During construction, residents and businesses may experience minor disruptions, but every effort will be made to minimize inconveniences. The contractor will provide continued access for patrons and deliveries to businesses. Please be patient and give construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones and work zones.

Weather permitting, construction is expected to be completed by July 2025.

This project supports the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan by using the complete streets approach to improve safe access for all. This process was driven by community input through a series of surveys and public engagements. Community feedback provided valuable input throughout the design process.

For information on the department go to www.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 Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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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 July 11, 2024

~ Volunteer community clean-ups slated plus the second round of 15 Neighborhood Clean-ups ~

RICHMOND, Va. –  The Department of Public Works launched a beautification and extensive clean-up campaign last month to revitalize community spaces and to provide residents and visitors with a clean, safe, and healthy environment. Using a comprehensive citywide plan, the department revved up programming across all divisions in the department’s operations portfolio to provide residents with the following enhanced services:

• Increased Litter Clean-Ups
• Graffiti Removal
• Enhanced Pavement Markings along streets classified in the high injury network (HIN)
• Sign Replacement
  
  • Updating and replacing signage in the HIN
• Streetlight Repairs
  
  • Ensuring well-lit streets for enhanced safety and visibility
• Vegetation Control
  
  • Roadside and green space maintenance along with maintaining tree wells
• Community Engagement - Together, we can all help keep Richmond clean
  
  • Encouraging volunteerism and participation with cleanup efforts across the city
  • Working with the community to provide information on upcoming clean-up opportunities. Go to: https://www.meetup.com/rva-clean-sweep/ for details and to sign up to volunteer
  • Providing residents with resources and clean-up supplies (vests, pickers and gloves) and information on how to organize an “adopt” a street, intersection, park, gateway
  • Organizing “Keep Richmond Beautiful” cleanup events with the Clean City Commission
  • Promoting environmental sustainability and coordinating recycling events
• Neighborhood Clean-Up Program – Round 2
  
  • See the schedule below and program guidelines
  • Round two kicks off July 13 for residents in the Bellevue/Ginter Park and Washington Park neighborhoods

Neighborhood Clean-Up Program – Details for the 2nd Cycle/Round 2:

• The Neighborhood Clean-Up Program offers residents in each of the designated 15 neighborhood zones across city with free curbside bulk and brush pickups between July 13 and November 2
• Select Saturdays, July 13 through November 2 (see the schedule with dates and locations below)
• All clean-ups are from 8 a.m. until Noon (rain or shine)
  
  • Residents should place items out Friday evening or by 6 a.m. on Saturday
• DPW crews will collect items curbside and in alleys (wherever trash is normally placed to be collected)
• Residents can use the DPW Service Finder to verify clean-up dates for their neighborhood

Examples of acceptable bulk items include:

• Furniture, mattresses, tires (four per household), appliances and brush (all brush must be cut into four-foot lengths and bundled)

Items NOT collected include:

•  
• Electronics, construction debris, hazardous waste items and broken glass

Note: In addition to Neighborhood Clean-Up Program, residents can also place bulk and brush items out for collection during the bi-weekly bulk and brush collection which coincides with the recycling schedule.

For information on the department go to www.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 Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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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.