RICHMOND, Va. – In an ongoing effort to make pedestrian safety improvements for people who walk and roll, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is upgrading the following intersections:

• Richmond Highway at Bellemeade Road
• Belt Boulevard at Hopkins Road
• Oliver Hill Way at Fairfield Way                      

Work for the project includes installing:

• High visibility crosswalks
• Pedestrian median refuges
  
  • Median refuge islands are protected spaces placed in the center of the street to facilitate bicycle and pedestrian crossings 
• Accessible ramps, and 
• Pedestrian countdown signals at locations currently without them 

Weather permitting, this project is scheduled for completion by December 2023.

This $327,000 project is a continuation of the work by DPW to use low-cost, systemic, quick build improvements that provide proven immediate safety benefits through changing the built environment. Funding is provided through a partnership with the Central Virginia Transportation Authority.

The Department operates and maintains 484 traffic signal-controlled intersections and continues to work to improve the safety of people who walk, roll and cross city streets, regardless of their age or ability.   

For more information on the Department, please visit us online at www.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 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Mike Porter

VCU Public Relations

Phone: (804) 828-7037

Email: mrporter@vcu.edu

www.news.vcu.edu

Petula Burks

Director, Office of Strategic Communications and Civic Engagement

City of Richmond

Phone: (804) 646-6311

Email: petula.burks@rva.gov

www.rva.gov

VCU completes pedestrian safety study

VCU and the City of Richmond have been working together to identify and prioritize pedestrian safety improvements across VCU

RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 29, 2023) — Virginia Commonwealth University and the City of Richmond today released the findings and recommendations of a new study aimed at improving pedestrian and traffic safety on VCU's campuses in downtown Richmond.

VCU contracted with Kimley-Horn, engineering planning and design consultants with experience in the Richmond area, and worked with the city to identify and prioritize improvements to enhance existing infrastructure within city-owned right-of-way, encourage collaborative enforcement and community outreach, and ultimately support a safer campus community.

The recommendations include:
 

• Evaluation and implementation of “no turn on red” signs.
• Corner clearance markings that eliminate parking near crosswalks.
• Curb extensions and speed tables (i.e., speed humps) that reduce crossing distance and vehicular speed.
• Upgrades to crosswalks, signals and signage.
• Additional gateway features that define campus boundaries.
• Continued traffic signal retiming.
• Speed feedback signage on campus.
• Collaborative enforcement and outreach plans.

Installation for several of the recommended infrastructure improvements – either by the city or by VCU – began prior to the start of this fall’s classes, while others will be implemented or evaluated by the city as part of future city development or other planned projects. The full report can be found here.

“The safety and well-being of our community is vitally important. It is clear that significant change is needed to slow traffic and enhance pedestrian safety in Richmond,” said Meredith Weiss, Ph.D., vice president for the VCU Division of Administration. “Through our partnership with the city, we are enacting meaningful change. This study provides a clear roadmap for safety improvements, and we have begun implementing the recommendations.”

Kimley-Horn’s team began the study while VCU’s 2023 spring semester classes were in session, documenting existing conditions of pedestrian infrastructure. The study team focused on pedestrian volumes, travel patterns and behaviors, crossing conditions, infrastructure, vehicular traffic volumes, types of vehicles (passenger cars, trucks, buses, etc.), speeds and operations.

Over the course of field observations, the study team collected more than 150 unique data points and documented concerns related to pedestrian infrastructure and pedestrian and motorist behavior. 

“The city is committed to improving traffic safety measures and continuously making assessments, securing grants to provide new technology for traffic safety upgrades/improvements, and traffic calming measures throughout the City of Richmond,” said Bobby Vincent, director of the Richmond Department of Public Works. “That commitment is evident with the city’s Vision Zero pledge to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to zero by 2030. Vision Zero is designed to change the traditional mindset that traffic-related deaths and those resulting in severe injuries are inevitable to the mindset that they are preventable. The VCU Pedestrian Safety Study is in alignment with the Vision Zero strategy and an example of how stakeholders play a role in helping the city address best practices for traffic safety.”

By reviewing technology systems at VCU, VCU Police determined that drivers pass through the Monroe Park Campus more than 1 million times in the course of a week. Added to this number are thousands of cyclists and pedestrians, with everyone using the roadways and intersections 24 hours a day.

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., called for the independent pedestrian safety study in the days following the January traffic-related death of VCU student Mahrokh Khan. The study was underway at the time of a second traffic-related death of VCU student Shawn Soares in May. Since then, the consultant provided early recommendations, and the city implemented speed tables on Main, Franklin and Cary streets as well as additional “no turn on red” signage at various campus intersections.

VCU’s initial speed data indicates that installation of the speed tables has reduced vehicle speed by half, on average. Since January, VCU Police have also increased enforcement of traffic and parking laws as well as engaged in extensive communications, outreach and education.

“We value the concerns and input from our students and employees, many of whom have shared with us their recommendations for improving pedestrian safety,” said Aaron Hart, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs. “Concerns and suggestions raised were shared with Kimley-Horn and addressed in this study.”

VCU Police continue to stress the importance of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians staying alert, understanding and following traffic signals, yielding the right-of-way, avoiding distractions and using defined bike paths and crosswalks. Lists of safety tips for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are available on VCU News.

“VCU Police remain committed to ensuring that our campuses are safe,” said John Venuti, associate vice president for public safety, VCU and VCU Health, and chief of VCU Police. “We will continue to enforce traffic and parking violations while educating members of the VCU community on all aspects of safety.”

The city invites the public to attend the upcoming Speed Management Symposium to hear from VCU and other community partners about future projects addressing speed management and collectively working together for the safety of everyone. The symposium will be held Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Main Street Station, located at 1500 East Main Street. Learn what actions need to be taken as we move forward and how you can assist.

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About VCU and VCU Health

Virginia Commonwealth University is a major, urban public research university with national and international rankings in sponsored research. Located in downtown Richmond, VCU enrolls more than 28,000 students in 244 degree and certificate programs in the arts, sciences and humanities. Forty-one of the programs are unique in Virginia, many of them crossing the disciplines of VCU’s 12 schools and three colleges. The VCU Health brand represents the VCU health sciences academic programs, the VCU Massey Cancer Center and the VCU Health System, which comprises VCU Medical Center (the only academic medical center in the region), Community Memorial Hospital, Tappahannock Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, and MCV Physicians. The clinical enterprise includes a collaboration with Sheltering Arms Institute for physical rehabilitation services. For more, please visit vcu.edu and vcuhealth.org.

About the Richmond Department of Public Works

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

About the Safe and Healthy Streets Commission

The City of Richmond, Virginia, in 1966, codified one of the oldest continuously operating transportation safety commissions in North America - The Safe and Healthy Streets Commission (SHSC). Since its inception, the SHSC has advised the Richmond City Council on all transportation safety matters. The SHSC has a diverse membership and includes citizens, transportation safety professionals, a city council member, the Chief of Police, the director of public works, the superintendent of schools, and the city transportation engineer.

 The SHSC sets annual priorities focused on executive, legislative, budgetary, and cultural changes. These priorities work towards the Richmond City Council’s 2016 goal, backed by Mayor Stoney, to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to zero by 2030. The SHSC’s annual priorities reflect the city’s commitment to Vision Zero, the Safe System approach (SSA), and Complete Streets policies. The SHSC adopted the 12 strategies and five supplemental planning needs, based on their set annual priorities, to improve Richmond’s built environment and strengthen the culture of safety. With its high-functioning Vision Zero organizational structure, Richmond is well positioned to implement these projects and supplemental planning activities that showcase the impact of the SSA using proven safety countermeasures and low-cost, high-impact strategies.

 The Safe and Healthy Streets Commission (SHSC) adopted Richmond’s Vision Zero Action Plan in 2018 and is charged with monitoring and reporting progress on the Action Plan. The mayor and the SHSC established a Vision Zero Task Force, made up of city department leaders, charged with implementing the strategies, projects, and policies set out in the action plan.

City Events and Activities Cancellations

• All soccer games – Today, Friday, September 22, 2023, and tomorrow, Saturday, September 24, 2023
• RVA Big Market – Saturday, September 24, 2023
• Youth League Football games at all park locations – Saturday, September 24, 2023

General Safety

• As with any storm, we ask that if you do not have to venture outside to stay indoors. If for some reason, you are caught in the storm, you may encounter flooding. Remember, turn around, don’t drown because you do not know how deep the standing water may be.

• All non-emergency calls should be directed to 804-646-5100.

• Please stay away from downed wires, assume that they are energized, and report them and outages immediately to 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).

As the forecast evolves, the City of Richmond will keep our residents and visitors updated. Please follow the City on social media – Facebook @RVAGov; Instagram @RVAGov; and Twitter @CityRichmondVA.

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~ Bagged collection begins October 2 and vacuum services starts November 6 ~                  

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Department of Public Works kicks off the city’s annual Leaf Collection Program Monday, October 2. Residents have two collection options for bagged leaves, (1) put out up to 10 bags on their regular trash pick-up day or (2) use the Unlimited Bag Collection Option/Sector Collection system, which coincides with trash collection days, but allows for an unlimited number of bags and an extended collection period. Biodegradable bags are preferred.

• Sector 1: Wednesday trash collection
  
  • All bagged leaves will be picked up between November 1 and November 15
• Sector 2: Thursday trash collection
  
  • All bagged leaves will be picked up between November 16 and November 25
• Sector 3: Monday trash collection
  
  • All bagged leaves will be picked up between November 27 and December 9
• Sector 4: Tuesday trash collection
  
  • All bagged leaves will be picked up between December 12 and December 29

Vacuum collection begins Monday, November 6. There is a $30 fee per request for this service. Residents must remove sticks, stones or other objects that may damage equipment and rake leaves to the curb or property line, but not into the street or gutters. The leaves must be ready for collection when the request is made. The service will take place within 15 days of the request. Please note, vacuum service may be delayed during inclement weather.

Requests and payments can be made at www.RVA311.com or by calling 3-1-1 or by mailing a check/money order to: City Hall, DPW Vacuum Service; 900 East Broad Street, Room 704; Richmond, VA 23219 

A service request ID number is generated for requests made through the RVA311 system, please be sure to include that number on the check or money order.

Lastly, there is an option to do-it-yourself (DIY). Residents can drop off loose leaves or put them in biodegradable bags at the following locations:

• The East Richmond Road Convenience Center located at 3800 East Richmond Road, or
• The Maury Street Leaf Drop-Off located at 2900 Maury Street

The Transfer Station located at 3506 North Hopkins Road accepts only bagged leaves.

Additionally, residents can compost or mulch leaves. Compost bins are available for $41.50. Send an email to askpublicworks@rva.gov or call 804-646-8325 for information on ordering a full-size compost bin. 

For more information on leaf collection please visit www.rva.gov/public-works or for assistance, call 3-1-1.

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X (formerly 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

~Residents can drop-off paper for shredding, electronics, household hazardous waste items and oil-based paint & learn about the City’s Food Compost Program ~

WHO:   The Department of Public Works, The Clean City Commission, The Department of Public Utilities and  The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities

WHAT: Richmond E-Cycle Day – More than Electronics!

WHEN:  Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:  1710 Robin Hood Road (23220) northeast corner of Robin Hood Road and Arthur Ashe Boulevard

BACKGROUND:  The City of Richmond’s E-Cycle Day offers City residents an efficient option to recycle paper and electronics to help keep hazardous waste materials out of city waterways, streams and rivers. This event is available to city residents – proof of residency is required. Please note, this is a drive-thru event. Volunteers will remove items from the cars.

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)
• Go to www.rva.gov/public-works/clean-city-commission to get fees and the full list of electronics to recycle

Household Hazardous Waste Items (HHW)

• Pesticides, Herbicides and Oil-based Paint
• Bug spray, 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.

Biodegradable Lawn and Leaf Bag Give-Away (while supplies last)

• Proof of residency is required

Richmond Compost Initiative/Community Food Compost Program

Almost a quarter of all waste going to landfills is food and organic matter. This initiative seeks to reduce and divert food waste from the landfill by providing options for composting at convenient, citywide drop-off locations and then cycle that organic waste into high quality compost for community use.

• Visit the information booth at the event and learn about composting and how it reduces harmful gas emissions by retaining carbon instead of releasing it into the atmosphere
• Learn how to participate in the program or how to start your own compost
• For more information about the initiative, go to https://www.rva.gov/index.php/parks-recreation/community-gardens

Kitchen Countertop Compost Bin (while supplies last)

• Proof of residency required
• Residents interested in purchasing a full-size compost bin, send an email to: AskPublicWorks@rva.gov and pre-order the bin 
• Pay for the bin at the event. Cost: $41.50 (checks only)

For more 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 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

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is a premier provider of utility service. DPU provides natural gas, water, wastewater and stormwater service to more than 500,000 residential and commercial customers in the metropolitan region. In addition, DPU operates an electric street lighting utility, which maintains 37,000 streetlights throughout the City.  For more information, visit DPU's website at www.rva.gov/public-utilities.