Richmond, VA –Mayor Levar Stoney is honored to announce the 13-mile alignment of the Fall Line Trail through the City of Richmond.  The 13-mile regional trail converses through the City of Richmond and was designed to spur development and improve access across the city.   The ceremonial groundbreaking for the construction of the Bryan Park segment will be held on August 28th, 2024 at 11:00 am. at the playground. The park is located at 4308 Hermitage Road.

“I’m excited to be breaking ground on this game-changing asset for the Richmond region,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “With this intentional investment, the region is solidifying itself as the premier destination for outdoor recreational activity in Commonwealth of Virginia. The Fall Line Trail provides the City with another tool in the toolbox to build upon our national profile as the best place to live, do business and raise a family.”

Serving as a gateway into the city, the Bryan Park groundbreaking represents a major milestone for the city.  One of fourteen (14) segments of the Fall Line Trail, Bryan Park will not only house 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 trailheads allows users of the trail to rest, refuel, and enjoy the natural surroundings of Richmond’s Bryan Park.

“The Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility is excited to have this groundbreaking event for the Fall Line Trail (FLT) in one of Richmond’s historic parks,” said DPW Deputy Director Dironna Moore Clarke. “The city has been working with the region through the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) on the FLT Project, as a regional collective investment.  Watching it grow and unfold, and now we’re kicking off the Fall Line Trail gateway into Bryan Park, is so exciting. One of fourteen segments in Richmond, the Bryan Park FLT will enhance accessibility and make it easier for residents to enjoy the park and its amenities. It represents the city’s commitment to enhancing community connectivity and promoting sustainable transportation options.”

“As the primary funder for the Fall Line and many other regionally significant transportation projects, the Central Virginia Transportation Authority is thrilled to see the City of Richmond moving forward with implementing their segments of this once-in-a-lifetime regional transportation corridor,” said Chet Parsons, Executive Director of CVTA. “There are so many exciting parts of the Fall Line that will be developed through the City and this celebration is a great way to kick-start that process.  We look forward to the Fall Line providing health, economic, and transportation benefits to the region for years to come.”

The 43-mile Fall Line Trail is an example of a project developed and implemented through collaboration of multiple localities, the state, and local community organizations. The final path for the shared-use active transportation trail is under development with extensive public input and will connect seven localities, from the Town of Ashland, through Hanover and Henrico Counties, the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, and the Cities of Colonial Heights and Petersburg.

“The City of Richmond is taking a significant step toward realizing our region’s vision of a more connected and accessible Richmond,” said Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers. “This is the beginning of Richmond’s 13-mile segment of trail that is more than just a paved trail for people to walk and bike—it is a catalyst for development and a gateway to our city. We’re proud to be part of this milestone that enhances Bryan Park for all users and enriches our community.”

Like the very successful Virginia Capital Trail, the Fall Line Trail will improve the safety of residents who walk and bike to access buses and trains, for personal recreation and professional interest. Additionally, the Trail’s path through parks, across the James River, and adjacent to commercial and cultural centers, will draw tourist to well established attractions while promoting economic development in areas of the city that will benefit from transit-oriented development.

Investments in shared-use paths for active transportation have been very successful across America, such as in Atlanta, Georgia and Indianapolis, Indiana. The City of Richmond and the greater region engaging the Fall Line Trail believe this effort will prove impactful for economic development, social cohesion, and an improved overall quality-of-life.

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)

Posted August 21, 2024

~ Open house style format to discuss survey results and encourage community engagement ~

RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of Public Works (DPW) invites the community to attend a follow-up public meeting on the Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road Intersection Project. This session will be held on Wednesday, September 4 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Linwood Holton Elementary School, 1600 West Laburnum Avenue. Residents are encouraged to attend at their convenience during the open house hours.   

The meeting will feature an informational display where participants can review preferred alternatives and get results from the previous survey along with feedback from the prior public meeting. It will also provide direct engagement with city project engineers and consultants to address concerns and make suggestions.

To review the comprehensive study for the Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road Intersection Alternatives Report, please go to: bit.ly/4cPlich

For more information about the Department, visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email askpublicworks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities, and events, follow 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.

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

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

The City of Richmond’s Final Plan to improve the health of the James River was approved by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in August 2024. The James River ranks high as one of the state’s greatest natural resources. Less than a half century ago, the river was not fit for human use. With the long and sustaining work of the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and its many partners, the James River has transformed from one of the most polluted in the country to one of the most improved and beloved. Today, the James River contributes greatly to the recreational and economic development needs of the region.

In the 1800s, parts of Richmond’s sewer system were designed as a combined sewer system (CSS). These pipes were made to transport both wastewater and stormwater. Today, more than one hundred fifty years later, these pipes are still in use. As a result, the CSS can become overwhelmed during wet weather conditions and exceed capacity for treatment, with overflow going into the waterways – including the James River. Richmond’s combined sewer system is the largest in Virginia with a drainage area of 19 square miles with 25 outfalls.

Since 1970, Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia have invested more than $780 million for projects to address the CSS and provide cleaner water for our community. These efforts have resulted in the reduction of over 3 billion gallons of combined sewer overflow (CSO) per year but more funding is needed to capture, convey and treat up to 5 billion gallons per year – which represents more than 90% of stormwater.

In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1064, which required the City to develop Interim and Final Plans, which would further improve water quality in the James River.  DEQ and the City then amended the 2005 Special Order by Consent to incorporate Senate Bill 1064.

• Interim Plan – Submitted on time and includes 10 projects to reduce 182 million gallons of CSO volume per year at a cost of $33.3 million.  These projects were approved by DEQ for completion of construction and related activities due by July 1, 2027.

• Final Plan– Re-evaluate the remaining 2005 Special Order by Consent projects and identify system-wide improvements to incorporate Senate Bill 1064.  According to DEQ, Richmond made a timely submission of the Final Plan by July 1, 2024.  After reviewing Richmond’s Final Plan, DEQ has determined the plan complies with requirements identified in the 2005 Order, 2020 Amendment and 2020 CSO Law. Completion of construction and related activities will be July 1, 2035.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney remarks that, “The City is capturing efficiencies to ensure there is a significant and clear benefit to the environment and the James River. However, we have to maintain the balance of investing in our aging infrastructure and making improvements to City services while being cognizant of affordability issues. Otherwise, City of Richmond will require markedly higher utility rates and an even greater disparity between Richmond and Virginia’s other CSO communities. In short, the city’s most vulnerable residents will not be able to afford it.”

DPU Senior Director April Bingham adds that, “The ability to significantly reduce the cost of the Final Plan from $1.3 billion to $650 million results from creative engineering efforts and design.” Director Bingham appreciates the partnership with the Commonwealth as the City focuses on the timeline, the cost, and the advocacy. She is especially thankful for the collaborative process with DEQ ahead of the Final Plan submission as well as the partnership of Richmond City Council through the adoption of Resolution No. 2022-R025.

DPU is committed to the City of Richmond’s goal of “Cleaner Water Faster”.  With the latest approvals from DEQ, the goal of controlling combined sewer overflow discharges into the James River by 2035 can become a reality through increased financial support.
 

City of Richmond Reaches Milestone to Improve Customer Service Delivery

The City of Richmond has reached a milestone as it continues to focus on improving customer service delivery. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has finalized an agreement with the Oracle Corporation to enhance the customer’s journey through modernized operations and increased self-service options. With Oracle Energy and Water’s “Software as a Service” (SaaS) solution set, DPU will modernize its Customer Information System (CIS) to provide a flexible, robust and rules-based solution designed to keep pace with the industry's rapidly changing trends.

Mayor Levar Stoney remarks, “As Mayor, I’m delighted to have reached this huge milestone that will continue my administration’s goal of improving City services and providing greater levels of service that our residents deserve. The City believes that Oracle provides a best in class, forward-looking solution that will deliver modern functionalities beyond what we currently have and I could not be more excited to see the progress.”

Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders adds that, “We were looking for a solution to enhance the customer experience that could keep up with our customers’ rapidly changing needs. We are excited to add this utility CIS replacement to the list of new technologies that will continue to enhance the everyday lives of our citizens.”

DPU will be implementing several components of Oracle’s platforms to provide greater support to the traditional gas, water, sewer and stormwater services in the Richmond region while delivering new tools and processes - which will lead to a more user-friendly bill redesign. This will allow DPU to deliver a unique and best-in-class customer experience that helps comply with current and future regulations while delivering continuous non-disruptive updates – and at the same time, keeping pace with the most current industry capabilities.

The Oracle solutions to be implemented will help the City of Richmond to lead implementation, adoption, and provide transformation services for the project.

Oracle was chosen because their solution is the most technologically advanced option compared to other solutions that were evaluated. DPU Senior Director April Bingham remarks, “We were impressed by Oracle’s capabilities, as well as their support for an omnichannel customer experience. We are confident in our choice and excited about the opportunity for success in upgrading our operations and the customer experience with Oracle.”

Implementation of this CIS will replace DPU’s aged Banner system, which is nearly 30 years old and reaching the end of its useful life. It will eliminate security risks associated with the current system and provide for enhanced disaster recovery efforts.

With the vendor selection final, the focus now shifts to the build out of the new system that will be customized for DPU’s gas and water customers. The anticipated go live date is Spring 2026.

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