City News
Public Works
City hosting Recycling and Disposal Event for Richmond Residents on September 12
- WHO:
- The Department of Public Works
- The Clean City Commission, and
- The Department of Public Utilities
- WHAT:
- Recycling and Disposal Event - More than Electronics!
- This free recycling event is available to city residents only – proof of residency is required - No business or commercial items will be accepted
- WHEN:
- Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where:
- 1710 Robin Hood Road
- Why:
- To keep recyclable and hazardous materials out of landfills, city waterways, streams and rivers.
- To provide residents with a convenient way to reduce waste.
- To promote environmental stewardship and support the city’s sustainability goals.
~ Items for Collection ~
Paper Document Shredding
- Up to five (5) boxes of documents
- Be sure to remove all binders, staples, and clips
Electronics (various fees apply)
- Computer systems (hard drive or CPU) and accessories (cables, wires, keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.) VCRs, camcorders, stereos, and all phones
- Televisions, computer monitors and printers
- Other used electronic equipment (almost anything with a plug - see the online list for clarification, use the link below)
- Get the list of fees and the full list of electronics to recycle
Household Hazardous Waste Items (HHW)
- Oil-based Paint
- Bug spray, pesticides, rodent poison, and herbicides (Roundup, Weed B Gon etc.)
- Latex and water-based paints will not be collected. These items can be left in open paint cans until they have dried out and then put in with regular curbside trash pick-up.
Information on recycling or the event, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/public-works/clean-city-commission 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 or visit the Clean City Commission’s Instagram page @rvacleancitycommission
###
Shockoe Valley Streets Improvement Project Advances Following Planning Commission Approval
The Richmond Planning Commission voted Tuesday evening to approve the Shockoe Valley Streets Improvement Project, marking a significant milestone in the City's ongoing effort to improve transportation safety, accessibility, and connectivity in one of Richmond's most historic neighborhoods.
The project includes improvements to streets, sidewalks, intersections, and public spaces to better accommodate people walking, biking, using transit, and driving. The design has been shaped by technical analysis and community engagement since 2018 and has been developed with deep appreciation for and consideration of preserving and interpreting the area's significant cultural and historical resources.
"This approval marks another step forward in a long-term effort to improve mobility and safety while respecting the history and character of Shockoe Valley," said Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works. "We appreciate the Planning Commission's consideration and the continued input from community members and stakeholders who have helped inform the project."
"This is a great example of a plan improving through multiple rounds of public input. I appreciate everyone who took part so thoughtfully in the process, and I look forward to the next steps,” said Mayor Danny Avula.
With Planning Commission approval, including all eight conditions recommended by the Urban Design Committee, the project will continue through the City's established review and implementation process. As design advances, the City will continue to engage residents, businesses, and community stakeholders and provide updates on future project milestones.
Richmond Department of Transportation Continues to Advance Pedestrian Safety with New Accessibility Improvements and Public Art at 2nd Street Bus Stop
Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) continues its mission to provide accessible transit for all Richmond residents with the installation of a new bus bulb-out on 2nd Street between Broad and Marshall Streets.
A bus bulb-out extends the sidewalk area into the street, creating a dedicated platform where riders can safely wait and board the bus. The design creates a level boarding area that makes transit easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities, including those using wheelchairs, mobility devices, strollers, or walkers.
“Every transit ride begins as a walking or rolling trip, and it’s paramount that we focus on safety and comfort where people are using the bus,” said Andy Boenau, RDOT Director.
The design also improves traffic operations by eliminating the need for buses to merge into and out of traffic while boarding passengers, reducing conflict points and helping buses stay on schedule.
“2026 is Richmond's Year of the Pedestrian, and projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful street design can make everyday trips safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone,” said Boenau.
This addition celebrates Jackson Ward's rich cultural history through a public art installation commissioned by Richmond artist Lizzie Brown. The installation supports Pillar 7 of the Mayor's Action Plan, advancing the vision of a city that tells its stories by celebrating Richmond's neighborhoods and preserving the cultural legacy of Jackson Ward through every day public spaces.
Brown's artwork will appear on two painted fiberglass planters placed on either side of the bus stop, transforming functional streetscape elements into public art.
“Incorporating art into the everyday is one of the surest ways we can be a city that tells its stories,” said Public Art Commission Secretary Monica Kinsey. “Lizzie is a Richmond native who understands deeply the power of public art in placemaking and we are honored to add this work to the City’s growing public art collection.”
This RDOT project is funded by the AARP Community Challenge grant program and is one of 383 projects across the country designed to make communities more livable for people of all ages and abilities, with a focus on older adults. The project also advances RDOT's Vision Zero approach to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries through a multidisciplinary approach.
For more information about RDOT programs and projects, visit www.rva.gov/public-works or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov.
Richmond Department of Transportation Hosts Community Conversation on the History and Future of Safer Streets For All
The Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) will host a community conversation with historian, University of Virginia professor, and author Peter Norton on Thursday, July 9 exploring how the history of American streets can inform the future of transportation in Richmond.
Norton, author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City and Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving, will explore how streets once served as shared public spaces that connected communities through walking, streetcars, and other forms of mobility before the rise of automobile-focused transportation systems.
His presentation will examine the transformation of American cities, including Richmond, as streets shifted from community spaces to primarily serving motor vehicle movement. The discussion will highlight lessons from the past and how they can help guide today's efforts to create safer, more accessible streets for people of all ages and abilities.
“As Richmond continues working toward a transportation system that serves everyone, understanding the history of our streets helps us better understand the choices we make today,” said Andy Boenau, Director of RDOT. “This conversation gives residents an opportunity to learn from the past, engage with transportation experts, and discuss how we can build a safer, more connected future for Richmond."
The event will include a presentation from Norton followed by a community question-and-answer session focused on the connection between Richmond’s transportation history and ongoing safety initiatives, including the development of the City’s first ever Pedestrian Safety Master Plan and Richmond’s Vision Zero commitment.
“Transportation is about more than how we move through the city, it is about how we access opportunities, connect with our neighbors, and experience our communities,” said Boenau. “These conversations help bring residents into the process of shaping streets that work better for everyone.”
Event Details
What: Community Conversation with Peter Norton
When: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Program begins at 7:00 p.m.
Where: James Branch Cabell Library 901 Park Avenue Richmond, VA 23284
The event is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and participate in the conversation about Richmond’s transportation future.
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peter-norton-lecture-tickets-1992020300342
About the Richmond Department of Transportation
The Richmond Department of Transportation works to create a safe, accessible, and connected transportation system that supports the movement of people and goods throughout the City of Richmond. Through investments in infrastructure, planning, and community engagement, RDOT is working toward a transportation network that serves residents of all ages and abilities.
City Continues Expansion of Safety Camera Program to Improve Intersection Safety
The City is expanding its Safety Camera Program to additional intersections to support red-light enforcement efforts, reinforcing its commitment to improving traffic safety and reducing serious crashes at high-risk locations.
This update follows the initial program announcement in September 2025, with subsequent updates provided in January and May 2026. The program continues to expand as additional safety cameras are installed and activated at high-risk intersections.
Seven intersections currently have safety cameras installed and operational. As of June 29, 29,971 warnings and citations have been issued. These initial seven pilot intersections are:
- 25th Street at Main Street
- Belvidere Street at Cary Street
- Chamberlayne Avenue at Brookland Park Boulevard
- Chamberlayne Avenue at Laburnum Avenue
-
Hull Street and Warwick Road
-
Hull Street and Cowardin Avenue
- Commerce Road at Maury Street
Three additional intersections in the pilot program will become operational soon:
- Hull Street Road & East Belt Boulevard
- German School Road & Midlothian Turnpike
- Mechanicsville Turnpike and Fairfield Way
A 30-day warning period for the red light enforcement will begin on July 1, 2026, at the intersection of Hull Street Road and East Belt Boulevard. During this period, motorists who run a red light at this location will receive a warning notice instead of a citation. Warning periods for the remaining two intersections are expected to begin later this summer.
After the warning period ends, registered vehicle owners who receive a red-light violation notice captured by these cameras will be issued a $50 citation, in accordance with the Code of Virginia.
“Every red light run is a preventable tragedy in the making.” said Andy Boenau, RDOT Director, “We’re sending a clear message that Richmond prioritizes safety over shortcuts, and we’re using every tool available to eliminate traffic-related serious injuries and to save lives.”
Drivers should:
- Slow down, especially as lights turn yellow. Yellow means prepare to stop – not speed up
- Stop fully at red lights. Entering the intersection after the light turns red is a violation.
- Pay attention and avoid distractions.
- Plan ahead and leave earlier to provide additional time
Red-light running causes hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries across the country each year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 1,000 people are killed and more than 100,000 are injured each year in crashes involving drivers who run red lights. Cities that implement safety cameras have seen fatal red-light running crashes drop by as much as 21%.
For more information on Richmond’s safety camera program, visit rva.gov/police/safety-camera-program.
For more information on Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/public-works/vision-zero
