Public meeting announced for project to improve pedestrian safety in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A public meeting has been announced for community members to learn about an upcoming project to improve pedestrian safety in Richmond.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is encouraging residents, businesses and community stakeholders to attend the Riverfront/Orleans BRT Station Streetscape Project meeting -- a Smart-Scale funded, $2.23 million project that aims to improve access and connectivity for pedestrians.

Those interested in attending can head to Main Street Station, located at 1500 East Main Street, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29 -- with an inclement weather date of Thursday, Feb. 5.

Community members can attend at any time throughout the two-hour window to look at design plans, ask questions and provide feedback with staff and consultants on the project.

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The project area includes:

• East Franklin Street at 31st Street
• Admiral Gravely Boulevard between Williamsburg Avenue and Gilliam Street
• East Franklin Street to Williamsburg Road
• Godwin Street between Williamsburg Avenue and Goodin Court
• Williamsburg Avenue between Orleans Street and Hatcher Street
• Ohio Street

Improvements include:

• Construction of new sidewalks
• Installation of ADA-accessible ramps
• Improved street lighting
• Increased green space
• Installation of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon to improve pedestrian crossings

The public comment deadline is Feb. 9. Comments can be submitted through any of the following methods:

• By email to: Mrs. Olayinka Bruce at Olayinka.Bruce@rva.gov
  • Please reference “UPC 115410 – Riverfront/Orleans BRT Station Streetscape Project” on the subject line
• By mail to:
  • Department of Public Works
  • Mrs. Olayinka Bruce, Project Manager
  • 900 East Broad Street, Room 603
  • Richmond, VA 23219

For future reference, project plans and additional information will be available online for review and comment at this link.