Annual floodwall testing at Richmond’s Mayo Bridge begins

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Annual floodwall testing has begun at Mayo Bridge in the City of Richmond Saturday morning, according to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).

Weather permitting, testing will be conducted between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, through Friday, June 8.

The bridge will be closed to all traffic, including drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The department said in a release that traffic impacts will "be intermittent at all locations throughout the testing hours."

Spectators will not be allowed in the area due to "public safety concerns," according to the department. During testing, only City of Richmond personnel and officials will be allowed on site.

The following are the dates and locations along the floodwall that testing is scheduled to occur:

• Saturday, May 31, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Mayo Bridge at Hull Street — The bridge will be closed, with no through traffic allowed. Southbound traffic will open to the island.
• Sunday, June 1, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Mayo Bridge at Dock Street — The bridge will be closed, with no through traffic allowed. Northbound traffic will open to the island.
• Wednesday, June 4, 8 to 10 a.m.: South 12th Street and East Byrd Street — East Byrd Street will close between South 12th Street and Virginia Street.
• Wednesday, June 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Dock Street — Dock Street will close from 18th Street to 21st Street.
• Friday, June 8, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.: 21st and Cary Street — Cary Street will close between South 20th Street and South 22nd Street.
• While floodwall testing is taking place, drivers will be detoured to adjoining streets. Barricades and signs will be posted.

While floodwall testing is occurring throughout the week, DPU said drivers will be detoured to adjoining streets. Barricades and signs will be posted.

Richmond's floodwall gates are tested annually to meet the Army Corps of Engineers' standards.

This year's floodwall testing comes nearly a year after the last testing in June 2024, and the last activation of a floodwall occurred in February 2025 with the activation of the Dock Street floodwall.