~ The system will provide people with advanced warning of flooded roadways ~

RICHMOND, Va.  – The City of Richmond Department of Public Works, in collaboration with the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, recently installed two High Water Detection Systems in the City. The systems are located on Magnolia Avenue between Rady Street and Magnolia Road, and on Bainbridge Street between 20th and 21st streets. These state-of-the-art public safety warning systems are the first of its kind to be used in the region. This system uses a sensor to detect rising water and software to continuously monitor flooding conditions in the area.

Once triggered, these advance warning stations will activate flashing beacons, message signs, and automatic road barrier gates. It will advise motorists of flooded roadways ahead and will encourage them to turn around and stay off the road.

It takes only 18 inches of rushing water to carry away most vehicles, including pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Benefits of the system in these areas include:

• Improving drivers’ compliance with warnings to turn around and avoid loss of life and property
• Eliminating calls to E-911 call center and first responders for emergency assistance to rescue people during inclement weather
• Eliminating calls to first responders to manually barricade the site during inclement weather

The total cost of the project was approximately $500,000.

Tips for Driving in Storms:

• Monitor the news for weather related information. If there is a flash flood watch or warning in effect, stay off the roads.
• Avoid areas that are already flooded and do not attempt to cross a flooded roadway. Remember the phrase, “Turn Around Don't Drown”
• Recognize flood-prone areas such as low water crossings, dips and ditches and do not attempt to cross if flooding is possible.
• Be cautious when driving at night or in unfamiliar areas when it is harder to recognize flood dangers

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please go to www.rva.gov/public-works or email us at 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.