Beginning Saturday, May 31 through Friday, June 8, 2025, the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will conduct its annual floodwall testing. The testing will occur between 7 am and 2 pm, weather permitting. During this period, the Mayo Bridge will be closed to all vehicular and foot traffic.
The closure affects motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Traffic impacts will be intermittent at various locations throughout the testing hours. Only City of Richmond personnel and officials are allowed on-site during testing due to public safety concerns.
The schedule for floodwall testing is as follows:
– On Saturday, May 31, from 7 am to 2 pm, the Mayo Bridge at Hull Street will be closed with no through traffic; however, southbound access to the island remains open.
– On Sunday, June 1, from 7 am to 2 pm, the Mayo Bridge at Dock Street will be closed with no through traffic; northbound access to the island remains open.
– On Wednesday, June 4, E. Byrd Street between S. 12th Street and Virginia Street will be closed from 8 am to 9 am.
– Also on Wednesday, June 4, Dock Street from 18th to 21st Streets will be closed from 11 am to noon.
– On Friday, June 8, Cary Street between S. 20th and S. 21st Streets will be closed from 7 am to 2 pm.
Motorists are advised to use detours via adjoining streets during floodwall testing. Barricades and signs will guide travelers who are urged to follow signage for safety reasons.
Richmond’s floodwall gates undergo annual tests in line with Army Corps of Engineers standards. These tests ensure operability when needed. The last test occurred in June 2024. The most recent activation was in February 2025 for the Dock Street floodwall due to heavy rains in parts of the James River Basin area.
