New traffic signal activation at Cumberland and Laurel streets

From City news release:

RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of Public Works (DPW) will activate a new traffic signal at Cumberland and Laurel streets. Over the next week, weather permitting, the signal will be energized and temporarily placed in a flashing mode to alert motorists about the new traffic pattern. People are encouraged to exercise caution as the new signal is placed in activation mode.

People driving on Cumberland Street will see signals flashing yellow and will no longer stop, while
People driving on Laurel Street will see signals flashing red and must stop
The flashing mode provides motorists and pedestrians with an opportunity to adjust to the new pattern for about a week before it becomes a fully functioning signal-controlled intersection.

In addition, traffic signal work will begin later this month at these intersections:

-Patterson Avenue and Pepper Avenue – Installing a new traffic signal for proactive maintenance
-Midlothian Turnpike at 32nd Street – Upgrading the existing traffic signal

Features for these projects include:

Overhead traffic signals on mast arm poles with high visibility backplates
Countdown pedestrian signals with push buttons and high visibility crosswalk markings
Accessible ramps for all ages and abilities with new sidewalks
During construction, there will be intermittent lane and sidewalk closures and the public is urged to follow posted signage for safety. Please remember to slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones and give construction workers extra space.

Weather permitting, these new projects are scheduled for completion in Fall 2025.

These projects are part of the city’s ongoing Vision Zero efforts to improve road safety and to modernize infrastructure across the city.

For information on DPW, go to www.rva.gov/public-works or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on activities and events visit us on X (Twitter) @DPW_RichmondVA

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Lane Closure On S. Belvidere

From the City’s Department of Public Works:

Lane Closure – South Belvidere Street

WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Works (https://twitter.com/DPW_RichmondVA)

WHAT: Lane Closure, Duration of Closure

WHEN: Wednesday, August 28 to Wednesday, October 16

WHERE: In the 5th Voter District

Between Spring Street and the Lee Bridge.
BACKGROUND: In the area listed above contractors will be conducting pedestrian improvement projects. North and South bound lanes may be closed during this time for utility work associated with pedestrian improvement.

Impacted lanes depicted below:

Street Stuff

A couple of street/traffic/parking concerns:

A hole opened up in the 600 block of S. Laurel St. where there had been water utility repairs.


It has been reported to the City and there is a large traffic barrel sitting over it right now.

Also, the City made an announcement concerning upcoming work. From Monday, June 17 to Tuesday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., around the intersection of Cumberland Avenue and Laurel Street,
contractors will be installing signal poles, traffic signal controllers, countdown pedestrian signal heads, push buttons and other traffic signal equipment. Some lanes of travel will be temporarily closed during this process.

In addition, street cleaning will be taking place next week. Watch for the signs or risk getting towed!

Belvidere Street Pedestrian Features Scheduled

From Department of Public Works communication:

Traffic Advisory

February 21, 2023

Contact: Lux Aghomo

Office: 804.646.5711

Lane Closure – 601 South Belvidere Street

WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Works (https://twitter.com/DPW_RichmondVA)

WHAT: Lane Closure, Daily

WHEN: Tuesday, February 20 to Saturday, November 16, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: In the 5th Voter District

601 South Belvidere Street between Idlewood Avenue and Rowe Street
BACKGROUND: In the area listed above, the contractor will be installing pedestrian signals and improvements. A single lane will be closed in each direction.

Lane Closure – Cary Street and Laurel Street Intersection

From City Department of Public Works:

WHAT: Lane Closure, Daily
WHEN: Thursday, October 26 to Monday, October 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: In the 5th Voter District
• The intersection of Cary Street and Laurel Street
BACKGROUND: As a part of the HSIP Pedestrian Improvement at Signalized Intersection project, the contractor will be repairing sections of the concrete sidewalk and placing pavement markings in the intersection listed above. The curb travel lane, sidewalk and median lane may be temporarily closed during this process.

City Council Rams Through Casino and Amphitheater Proposals

Last night City Council ignored citizen concerns and rammed through two proposals.

From RichmondBizSense.com:

Councilmembers unanimously approved a performance grant agreement for the planned Richmond Amphitheater on the riverfront near Tredegar, and almost unanimously approved ordinances authorizing agreements that set the stage for a potential second referendum in November on Urban One’s proposed casino in South Richmond.

From Virginia Business magazine:

Some residents of the nearby Oregon Hill neighborhood have opposed the venue or sought to delay it, however, saying they were not given adequate input about cutoff times, noise and parking. The venue does not include parking, but as part of its agreement with the city, the amphitheater will be required to submit a parking plan annually to make sure to make sure existing parking is used and that venue attendees are not parking in residential neighborhoods.
“We feel like there’s no reason to rush this through in a week after negotiations have been taking place for probably a full year,” Charles Pool, a representative of the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council, told council members during a public comment period Monday.
Stephanie Lynch, who represents Richmond’s 5th district, said a meeting is planned for Tuesday to address remaining recurring concerns about the amphitheater.