Starting in early July, the City of Richmond Department of Public Works will initiate a roadway improvement project aimed at enhancing safety and improving traffic flow in the city’s east end. The project involves modifications and reconstruction at the intersection of East Main Street and Williamsburg Avenue, extending between South 31st Street, East Main, and Pear Street.
On June 20, construction teams will begin placing notification signage along these corridors to inform residents and drivers about the upcoming project and related closures. All westbound lanes of Williamsburg Avenue will be closed between South 31st Street and the intersection of East Main Street. Temporary closures are also expected at the intersection of South 31st Street and Williamsburg Road for five months. However, the East Main/Williamsburg Avenue intersection will remain open to traffic.
The planned improvements include realigning the intersection by revising the dominant traffic flow movement from East Main Street (Route 5) to Williamsburg Road. New traffic signals with pedestrian crossing buttons will be installed, along with reconstructed sidewalks featuring ADA accessibility. Additional enhancements involve new street lighting, pavement, signs, markings, upgraded drainage systems, minor widening of Williamsburg Avenue, and landscaping.
Efforts will be made to minimize community impact during this $4 million project scheduled for completion in summer 2026, weather permitting. Drivers are encouraged to slow down and stay alert in work zones.
This initiative is coordinated with the Richmond Department of Public Utilities.
For more information on DPW services or updates on related projects, visit rva.gov/public-works or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov. Updates can also be found on X @DPW_RichmondVA.
The City of Richmond Department of Public Works is one of only 195 accredited public works agencies in the United States. Its portfolio includes services such as leaf collection; street maintenance; trash collection; recycling; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals; pavement markings; civil engineering; city building upkeep; right-of-way permits issuance; RVA Bike Share program management; and city vehicle fleet maintenance. DPW’s operating budget is sourced from Richmond’s general fund.
