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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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!

Streets Closed, No Parking Areas on Saturday for Political Event

From Richmond Police Department:

Several roads will be closed and No Parking areas will be in place for a political event on Saturday as former President Barack Obama and others visit Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus.

A ticketed rally at the Compass area of the campus will take place between noon and 3 p.m., Saturday, October 23.

The following streets will have No Parking from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday:

• 1000 block of Grove Avenue between North Harrison and North Linden streets;
• 900 block of Park Avenue between North Harrison and North Linden streets;
• 00 block of North Harrison Street between Park Avenue and West Main Street;
• 00 block of South Harrison Street between West Main and West Cary streets;
• 800 and 900 blocks of West Franklin Street between North Harrison and North
Laurel streets, and;
• Cathedral, North Cathedral and South Cathedral Place.

The following streets will be closed to public traffic from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday:

• 900 block of Park Avenue
• 1000 block of Grove Avenue
• Cathedral, North Cathedral and South Cathedral Place
• 100 block of North Linden Street

In the planning and coordination of major events taking place in and around the university, the Richmond Police Department continues to coordinate with VCU Police and university leadership to assist in the safety of community members.

Information is subject to change. Please follow RPD on Twitter at @RichmondPolice.

Cloudy VHDA

Photo and comment by neighbor Charles Pool.

Clouds reflected in the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) building across Belvidere Street from Oregon Hill. The VHDA has applied for exceptions to the zoning code to build a large parking deck adjacent to the Va. War Memorials new deck. Since there is a shortage of parking to visit Belle Isle, will the VHDA allow the public to park in the deck on the weekends?