Mission
The Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining the surface condition of streets, sidewalks, and alleys
throughout the city.
By The Numbers
The Roadway Maintenance Division is responsible for maintaining the City’s approximately 1,860 lane miles of roads and 836 lane miles of sidewalks.
In addition, Roadway also maintains Richmond’s 3,000 alleys, which equate to 200 miles.
Alley Maintenance
Alleys in Richmond allow access to the rear of many properties, as well as providing a hiding place for unsightly items
such as overhead wires and refuse containers. As with streets, we are responsible for the surface condition of public
alleys, which may involve regrading and adding stone, or patching asphalt if an alley is paved.
Did you know, as a City resident and/or property owner, some alley maintenance is your responsibility?
Per
City Code §38-152, §38-154(d),
it shall be a misdemeanor for any person who owns or occupies property
within the City to permit any grass, plants, bushes, weeds or any other vegetation 12 inches high or over, other than
trees, shrubbery, agricultural plants, garden vegetables, flowers or ornamental plants, to exist on any sidewalk, public
right of way, or grass strip adjacent to such property or unimproved street or alley (to the centerline of such
unimproved street or alley).
Pothole Maintenance
This
Map
shows our progress.
City Roadway Maintenance Division crews repair potholes all year, even during winter months, in order to keep the
roads safe for City residents and visitors. Approximately 22,000 potholes are filled annually.
During the winter months DPW holds a “Pothole-palooza” in which crews fill as many potholes as they can over the
course of a few days. Those repairs, however, are temporary due to the winter weather. Permanent repair work
begins in March.
Residents are encouraged to take action and report all potholes by calling
3-1-1 or (804) 646-7000 or via online request at
www.rva311.com.
You can report a pothole location 24 hours a day on-line using
you can call in a request using the city's
3-1-1
Customer Care system during business hours.
When winter ends and the temperature rises, our crews step up their pothole
repair efforts. During this accelerated repair period, DPW also conducts
more road inspections to ensure all required repairs are identified. Permanent
repairs and improvements are scheduled for the annual paving season which
runs from April 1 through the end of October, weather permitting.
Pothole Maintenance
In the event your vehicle is damaged by a pothole you can file a damage claim
through the City Attorney’s office. You can reach that office by calling
(804) 646-7940.
An investigation will be conducted once your claim is filed. The results of that
investigation will determine the outcome and resolution of your claim.
Sidewalk Maintenance
Sidewalk repairs, replacements and installations are done by two DPW divisions, Roadway Maintenance and
Capital Projects Management
.
When the project area is smaller than ½ block (or 1800 square feet) Roadway takes care of it. When it is larger,
it becomes a capital project.
If you see a damaged sidewalk that poses a tripping hazard, please report it by call Customer Care at
3-1-1 or (804) 646-7000.
You can also enter your request for service online at
www.rva311.com.
Whether brick or concrete, sidewalks provide a safe way for pedestrians
making their way to school, work, the corner market or restaurant,
neighborhood parks, and many other urban destinations. The condition of
City sidewalks often determines how safe and enjoyable those journeys
will be.
Brick Sidewalk Repair
Concrete Sidewalk Repair
Sidewalk Maintenance
Snow Removal and High Priority Thoroughfares
During inclement winter weather, the city must prioritize snow removal from city streets. We begin with the
bridges, Priority 1 and Priority 2 roads. Those are the City’s main and busiest thoroughfares. They must
be cleared first to make them passable for emergency vehicles and to permit entry and exit into the City.
Once those roads are clear, then we move into residential neighborhoods.
Keeping Citizens Informed!