City News

Public Works

New Art Exhibition at Main Street Station Celebrating Juneteenth, Queer Pride & Black Music Month

Posted May 20, 2025

~ Theme: Vibrations of the Unbound with Artist Talk and Reception on June 26 from 6 – 8 p.m. ~

          

RICHMOND, VA – The Gallery at Main Street Station will showcase a new micro exhibit next week, June 23 through June 30. The exhibition will showcase art celebrating Juneteenth, Queer Pride, and Black Music Month.

A special “Artist Talk” will be held Thursday, June 26 from 6 – 8 pm in the Main Street Station Gallery located at 1500 East Main Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their work. It will include local food and music vendors. The following participating artists will be highlighted during the talk back session:

  • Justice Dwight
  • Austin Miles
  • Ashley White

Additionally, the exhibition includes artwork from the following artists:

  • Virginia Coleman
  • Jazzmyn Ellis
  • Coppere Ford
  • MYLO GLOBAL
  • Jonah Hodari
  • Coury Jamal
  • NDEFRU
  • Malik Radford
  • Tiara Russell
  • Melchisedek Shabazz
  • Nastassja E. Swift
  • Jamel Walker

For more on Main Street Station, go to www.mainstreetstationrichmond.com

We’re Social! For updates on activities and events visit us on Twitter (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

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!

 

 

Improvement Project slated for the intersection of East Main Street and Williamsburg Avenue

Posted June 17, 2025

~ Project dates: July 2025 – Summer 2026, weather permitting; Motorists should stay alert in the work zone ~

RICHMOND, VA – Starting in early July, the City of Richmond Department of Public Works will begin a roadway improvement project in the city’s east end to enhance safety and improve traffic flow. The project will modify and reconstruct the intersection at East Main Street and Williamsburg Avenue between South 31st Street, East Main and Pear Street.

Starting, June 20, the construction team will begin placing notification signage along the corridors to alert residents and drivers about the upcoming project and closure notifications.

All westbound lanes of Williamsburg Avenue will be closed between South 31st Street and the intersection of East Main Street. Additionally, there will be temporary closures at the intersection of South 31st Street and Williamsburg Road, these closures are expected for five months. The East Main/Williamsburg Avenue intersection will remain open to traffic.

Improvements on East Main at Williamsburg Avenue include:

  • Realignment of the intersection by revising the dominate traffic flow movement from East Main Street (Route 5) to Williamsburg Road
  • Installing new traffic signal with pedestrian crossing buttons
  • Installing and reconstruct sidewalks and install ADA accessibility
  • Installing new street lighting
  • Installing new pavement, signs and markings
  • Upgrading drainage
  • Widening of Williamsburg Avenue (minor widening)
  • Installing landscape

Every effort will be made to minimize impact to the community. Drivers are urged to slow down, stay alert and give our construction workers ample space in work zones.

Weather permitting, this $4 million project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026. 

This project is in coordination with the Richmond Department of Public Utilities.

For more information on the 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 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

City Invites Public to Review Plans for the Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge Project

 

Posted June 2, 2025

~ Community meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 11 ~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works will hold a community meeting to review project plans for the Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge Project on Wednesday, June 11 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia located at 2500 West Broad Street. This project will replace the existing bridge structure over the CSX Railroad at the City’s crossroads between Broad Street and Interstate I-64/I-95, adjacent to Scott’s Addition and the Diamond District.

Benefits include:

  • Replacing structurally deficient bridge infrastructure
  • Enhancing connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles
  • Enhancing a multimodal transportation network
  • Enhancing safety and lowering the risk of crashes along this high-traffic area
  • Improving access to local businesses and attractions
  • Promoting and supporting economic development in the vicinity

The project team along with consultants from the Timmons group will be available to answer questions.

The bridge will remain open during construction with planned traffic shifts to maintain continued access. The city will work with the community to enhance safety and reduce disruptions.

This $38 million project is funded through a combination of local and federal funding.

For more information, go to rva.gov/public-works/AABB

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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

Richmond Celebrates National Public Works Week with Community Events and Employee Recognition

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

Call for Volunteers: Street Mural Painting at Laburnum and Hermitage - Help Calm Traffic with Color!

Posted May 16, 2025

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

RICHMOND, VAThe 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

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