~ Community-supported project scheduled to begin next month, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, Va. –  The Department of Public Works is scheduled to begin construction on an enhanced multi-modal project along Forest Hill Avenue from 34th Street to Semmes Avenue and the intersection of Forest Hill Avenue and Semmes Avenue next month, weather permitting.

Project plans include: 

• Phase I:
  
  • Removing the traffic signal at the intersection of Forest Hill Avenue, Semmes Avenue and Dundee Avenue
    
    • To control traffic, a temporary signal will be installed at the intersection of 34th Street and Semmes Avenue
  • Installing sidewalks
  • Converting the westbound lane of Forest Hill Avenue between 34^th Street and Semmes Avenue into 23 back-in parking spaces and utilizing the remaining lane as a one-way eastbound lane
  • Adding crosswalks and curb ramps
• Phase II:
  
  • Installing a new permanent traffic signal at the intersection of 34th Street and Semmes Avenue
  • Adding a pedestrian crossing with a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) on Forest Hill Avenue, west of Carson Street
    
    • PHBs are pedestrian actuated traffic signals that remain dark until activated (typically by a pushbutton). They help increase driver attention to pedestrians crossing the roadway and improve safety

During construction, residents and businesses may experience minor disruptions, but every effort will be made to minimize inconveniences. The contractor will provide continued access for patrons and deliveries to businesses. Please be patient and give construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones and work zones.

Weather permitting, construction is expected to be completed by July 2025.

This project supports the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan by using the complete streets approach to improve safe access for all. This process was driven by community input through a series of surveys and public engagements. Community feedback provided valuable input throughout the design process.

For information on the department go to www.rva.gov/public-works or send an email to  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.

UPDATE: Advisory Lifted

City of Richmond Update to Tredegar Pipeline Trail Pipe Repair

August 1, 2024

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is lifting the recreational water advisory for the James River beginning at the Manchester Bridge (9^th Street) in the City of Richmond and ending at Osborne Landing in Henrico County. The advisory was issued July 17, due to a sewer release near the Pipeline Trail, along the James River.

The City has met regularly with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and VDH since this incident, and DEQ and VDH have been actively monitoring the situation. Water quality sampling results collected by DEQ on July 29 and July 30, indicate bacteria concentrations in the James River in the prior advisory area are at levels acceptable for all recreational water use.

The City of Richmond continues to address the 42” failed pipe at the Tredegar Pipeline, which is a combined sewer system pipe. Long term and short-term actions include the following:

1. Installation of two large 42” inflatable plugs [COMPLETED]
   1. The plugs are designed to close off segments of the sewer line from any flow while repairs are taking place.
   2. Both plugs have been installed.
2. Temporary patching to the impacted areas of the pipe [COMPLETED]

• Consisting of epoxy and steel plates which are designed to seal all leakage points.
  
  • The temporary patch installations are complete.

3. Isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow into the pipe [IN PROGRESS]
   1. A welder was onsite July 18, 2024 to assess the feasibility of a more permanent option. The assessment identified the solution to install metal flanges, which will be welded in place to completely isolate both ends of the pipe.
   2. This work will begin the week of August 5, 2024.        

The longer-term and more permanent solution requires an in-depth engineering design and coordination process as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access and the ability to mobilize repair crews is a challenge.

 The City of Richmond is an old city with aged infrastructure. The Department of Public Utilities is responsible for a territory which includes 5,000 miles of water, sewer and gas pipes as well as 200,000+ other assets (i.e. fire hydrants, meters, valves). Condition assessments help to inform repair, rehabilitation and replacement schedules.

Residents, businesses and visitors rely upon the James River as a water supply source, an economic driver and a recreational resource. The City continues to undertake significant construction projects to protect and preserve the James River while partnering with stakeholders to help identify and prioritize ways to enhance the river.

VDH Lifts Recreational Water Advisory for the James River - Newsroom (virginia.gov)

July 24, 2024 

The City of Richmond continues to work with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding two isolated events which occurred during July 2024 at the Tredegar Pipeline Trail. These are two separate incidents and not a continual leak. Initial investigation showed that the first leak on July 2 was related to a wet weather event and was exacerbated by a stormwater connection from an adjacent commercial property. The City reported this to DEQ within 24 hours as required. The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities confirmed there were no leaks on July 3. There were also no citizen reports of the pipe leaking for the two weeks between the two incidents. The July 2 incident has been closed by DEQ.

The second incident was reported to the City on July 15, and the city immediately responded. The repairs are ongoing and the updates are outlined below.

The Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) continue to monitor the impacts to the river. Sampling will continue to determine when the Recreational Water Advisory for the James River from Manchester Bridge to Osborne Landing will be lifted by VDH, when VDH determines bacteria levels are acceptable for recreational contact. The City is meeting regularly with DEQ and VDH to continue collaborative conversations regarding repairs.

Repair Updates

The City of Richmond continues to address the 42” failed pipe at the Tredegar Pipeline, which is a combined sewer system pipe. Long term and short-term actions include the following:

1. Installation of two large 42” inflatable plugs
   
   • The plugs are designed to close off segments of the sewer line from any flow while repairs are taking place.
   • Installation of the large inflatable plugs started July 18, 2024 and one plug was successfully installed. Installation of the second plug is in process.
2. A temporary patch to the impacted area of the pipe (i.e. under the belly of)

• Consisting of epoxy and steel plates which are designed to seal all leakage points.
  
  • This work began Monday, July 22, 2024 and has been challenging as crews have had to consider workarounds based on the location and complexity of the impacted area.

3. Isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow into the pipe
   
   • A welder was onsite July 18, 2024 to assess the feasibility of a more permanent option. The assessment identified the solution to install metal flanges, which will be welded in place to completely isolate both ends of the pipe. This work is expected to begin the first week of August 2024.               

The longer-term and more permanent solution requires an in-depth engineering design and coordination as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access and the ability to mobilize repair crews is a challenge.

The City of Richmond is an old city with aged infrastructure. The Department of Public Utilities is responsible for a territory which includes 5,000 miles of water, sewer and gas pipes as well as 200,000+ other assets (i.e. fire hydrants, meters, valves).  Condition assessments help to inform repair, rehabilitation and replacement schedules.

July 17, 2024

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a recreational water advisory for the James River beginning at the Manchester Bridge (9^th Street) in the City of Richmond to Osborne Landing in Henrico County. For the safety of people and pets, VDH is advising that recreational water activities, such as swimming, wading, tubing, and whitewater kayaking (where submersion in the water is likely), should be avoided.  

The City of Richmond’s drinking water is upstream from the impacted site and is not impacted.  

This advisory is being released out of an abundance of caution due to a leak in a sewage pipe on the Pipeline Trail, which was reported on July 16. City crews joined with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), immediately responded to assess the site, and performed testing which confirmed high levels of bacteria. Investigation revealed that a bypass pumps had gone off-line. Crews were able to re-establish the bypass pumping operation to remove all flow from the pipe thereby severely diminishing the sewage release. Repairs of this 42” pipe will begin within the next 24 hours. Repairs include installation of large inflatable plugs, isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow, and a temporary patch to the impacted area of the pipe. The City believes this immediate response will eliminate further impacts to the river. The long-term solution requires more in-depth design and coordination as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access is a challenge. 

Signage has been installed at the public access points. Public access points to the James River in the impacted area include Great Shiplock Park and Chapel Island, 14th Street Takeout, Dock Street Park, Wharf Street / Intermediate Terminal, Ancarrow’s Landing, and Osborne Landing.  

FAQs 

 As a City of Richmond resident, should I be concerned about my drinking water? 

No. The City of Richmond’s drinking water source is not impacted. Drinking water samples continue to meet Virginia Department of Health (VDH) standards.  

Should I swim in the river? 

Not until the advisory is lifted. Recreational water activities, such as swimming, wading, tubing, and whitewater kayaking (where submersion in the water is likely), should be avoided. However, activities, which are not likely to result in water submersion (boating, fishing, canoeing), may continue with proper caution to avoid contact with the water. 

Why did this happen? 

The pipe has been identified as being put into service over 50 years ago and is further environmentally compromised based on its exposure to the elements and its location – which is suspended above the river.  

What is the City doing to prevent this from happening in the short-term? 

The City is working with a contractor for both temporary and permanent repairs. The temporary repairs include installation of large inflatable plugs, isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow, and the service of a welder to create a temporary patch to the impacted area of the pipe.  

What is the City doing to prevent this from happening in the long-term? 

The long-term solution requires an in-depth engineering design and coordination as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access is a challenge.  

Posted July 11, 2024

~ Volunteer community clean-ups slated plus the second round of 15 Neighborhood Clean-ups ~

RICHMOND, Va. –  The Department of Public Works launched a beautification and extensive clean-up campaign last month to revitalize community spaces and to provide residents and visitors with a clean, safe, and healthy environment. Using a comprehensive citywide plan, the department revved up programming across all divisions in the department’s operations portfolio to provide residents with the following enhanced services:

• Increased Litter Clean-Ups
• Graffiti Removal
• Enhanced Pavement Markings along streets classified in the high injury network (HIN)
• Sign Replacement
  
  • Updating and replacing signage in the HIN
• Streetlight Repairs
  
  • Ensuring well-lit streets for enhanced safety and visibility
• Vegetation Control
  
  • Roadside and green space maintenance along with maintaining tree wells
• Community Engagement - Together, we can all help keep Richmond clean
  
  • Encouraging volunteerism and participation with cleanup efforts across the city
  • Working with the community to provide information on upcoming clean-up opportunities. Go to: https://www.meetup.com/rva-clean-sweep/ for details and to sign up to volunteer
  • Providing residents with resources and clean-up supplies (vests, pickers and gloves) and information on how to organize an “adopt” a street, intersection, park, gateway
  • Organizing “Keep Richmond Beautiful” cleanup events with the Clean City Commission
  • Promoting environmental sustainability and coordinating recycling events
• Neighborhood Clean-Up Program – Round 2
  
  • See the schedule below and program guidelines
  • Round two kicks off July 13 for residents in the Bellevue/Ginter Park and Washington Park neighborhoods

Neighborhood Clean-Up Program – Details for the 2nd Cycle/Round 2:

• The Neighborhood Clean-Up Program offers residents in each of the designated 15 neighborhood zones across city with free curbside bulk and brush pickups between July 13 and November 2
• Select Saturdays, July 13 through November 2 (see the schedule with dates and locations below)
• All clean-ups are from 8 a.m. until Noon (rain or shine)
  
  • Residents should place items out Friday evening or by 6 a.m. on Saturday
• DPW crews will collect items curbside and in alleys (wherever trash is normally placed to be collected)
• Residents can use the DPW Service Finder to verify clean-up dates for their neighborhood

Examples of acceptable bulk items include:

• Furniture, mattresses, tires (four per household), appliances and brush (all brush must be cut into four-foot lengths and bundled)

Items NOT collected include:

•  
• Electronics, construction debris, hazardous waste items and broken glass

Note: In addition to Neighborhood Clean-Up Program, residents can also place bulk and brush items out for collection during the bi-weekly bulk and brush collection which coincides with the recycling schedule.

For information on the department go to www.rva.gov/public-works or send an email to  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.

Posted July 8, 2024

~ Current parking decals expire July 31, 2024 ~

RICHMOND, Va.  – New parking decals for qualifying residents in the Randolph and South Mulberry Parking District are now on sale for $25. The current decal expires July 31. Residents can get more information, verify residency, and purchase a permit through the online portal www.rva.gov/public-works/parking-enterprise. Additionally, both mail-in and in-person renewal options are available.

Residents must display the permit on their car to park for more than the designed time restriction. A resident is either the residing owner of record or renter of property located within the Restricted Parking District. A City of Richmond Residential Parking Permit Application must be completed and approved prior to decal issuance. The Department of Public Works verifies residency for both homeowners residing at the property and lease agreements for renters.

A resident of the district is defined as an owner of record or renter of property in the district and members of their immediate family who reside with the owner or renter at the address in the district:

1. Who are licensed drivers, and
2. Whose domicile is the address for which they are seeking to obtain the parking permit

The following information and picture identification must be provided:

1. Property owners must provide either a copy of their real estate bill or other information that verifies ownership of the property
2. Renters must provide a valid written lease for property in the restricted parking district, and have the appropriate approval of the property owner on the application they present

Property owners and renters are required to comply with the residency requirements and the motor vehicle registration requirements of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Decals and applications are also available at City Hall, Room 102, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 804-646-5700 if you have any questions or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

For additional details, please use the 3-1-1 mobile app or online portal at www.RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

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.

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities new utility rates are effective July 1, 2024 

Utility rate changes passed by Richmond City Council on May 13, 2024 go into effect with the first utility bills customers receive in July 2024. Department of Public Utilities (DPU) senior director April Bingham stated, “The effective and consistent delivery of quality gas and water services requires substantial programs to protect methods of supply, and regular investments for aging infrastructure to enhance service quality and service delivery. We are equally mindful of the financial hardships customers may be experiencing and invite them to explore assistance options outlined below by visiting RVA.gov/public-utilities.” 

These rate increases are projected to cost the average customer approximately $7.93 more per month. Here is a breakdown of the utility rates for natural gas, water, wastewater and stormwater rates, as approved:

NATURAL GAS          
The average residential customer will pay approximately $2.96 more per month for fixed distribution and customer charges. The purchased gas costs (PGC), are not included in this proposal as it is passed on dollar for dollar to the customer, without any mark up and adjusted on a monthly basis as warranted by market conditions. 

WATER
A typical water customer using 6 CCF’s (1 CCF = 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons) of water per month will see an increase of $0.82 on their overall water bill. This includes monthly service charge and volumetric charge (amount used).

WASTEWATER
A typical wastewater customer using 6 CCF’s (1 CCF = 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons) of wastewater per month will see an increase of $3.59 on their overall wastewater bill. This includes monthly service charge and volumetric charge (amount used) 

STORMWATER

Stormwater utility rates are based on the amount of impervious area (surfaces that cannot absorb water or that water cannot pass through) within a property. Roofs, walkways, gravel or asphalt driveways and decks are all categorized as impervious areas. Effective July 1, 2024 updated data is used to calculate the impervious surface area for each property. Property owners are invited to view that data at: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/290a82d6acf743f49a78d79b5f532e8f/

Single family residents pay a flat stormwater fee based on the amount of impervious area that a property contains. Typical residential customers will see a $0.56 increase in their monthly bill. See the size and fees associated with single family residential tier below:

• Tier 1   (1000 or less sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay a fee of $3.23 per month
• Tier 2   (1,001 - 2,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay a fee of $5.92 per month
• Tier 3   (2,001 – 3,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay a fee of $9.62 per month
• Tier 4   (3,001 – 4,000 sq. ft. of impervious area) will pay a fee of $13.72 per month
• Tier 5   (4,001 sq. ft. or more of impervious area) will pay a fee of $19.90 per month
   

DPU remains committed to providing safe and reliable utility service while creating exceptional value. If you have fallen behind on your utility payments, DPU is here to help!  Full information and application details on all current programs can be found on our website at http://www.rva.gov/public-utilities/billing.  If you need to speak with a live agent about any account services, don’t delay, give us a call today at (804) 646-4646 for assistance.

• PromisePay Payment Plans – DPU’s partnership with PromisePay to bring flexible and convenient payment plans for customers who are behind on their utility bills. All customers with a past due balance may enroll in a PromisePay payment plan for their outstanding balance at Richmond.promise-pay.com. The PromisePay portal offers users the opportunity to select from a variety of payment plan options, set up automatic payments, and provide contact information for payment reminders and other account notifications through text messaging.  

• MetroCare Water Program – This water bill payment assistance program provides funds to eligible families and individuals who are having difficulty paying their primary water bills due to financial concerns. There is an application process and ratepayers can receive up to $500 per applicant if approved.       
   
• MetroCare Heat Program – This heating bill payment assistance program provides funds to eligible families and individuals who are having trouble paying their primary heating bills due to a financial difficulty or other special hardship. The program period begins December 15. Residents within Richmond Gas Works' service territory may apply for funds through MetroCare.
   
• MetroCare Water Conservation Program – This program provides financial assistance to eligible customers who are homeowners for plumbing repairs and the replacement of water-inefficient appliances with EPA WaterSense products to conserve water and reduce wasteful consumption. This program includes an audit approved by the Department of Energy for all eligible homeowners as a method for improving water use efficiency.           
   
• SeniorCare Program – This program caters to the unique needs of seniors 65 years of age and older in the Richmond metropolitan community. Senior customers can sign up for this program and take advantage of Winter Service Assurance, no late fees, security deposit waiver program, annual weatherization kit giveaways and third party notification.
   
• Equal Monthly Payment Plan – The EMPP budget plan spreads your annual gas bill over 12 months. The estimated monthly payment is based on the previous year's natural gas usage.