Forest Hill Avenue Improvement Project
Overview
This project is being conducted by the City of Richmond to consider improvements along Forest Hill Avenue between the east junction of
Powhite Parkway and Hathaway Road. As a major thoroughfare, the City has undertaken this project to improve safety, traffic flow,
multi-modal capabilities (i.e. new sidewalk, bike lane), improve drainage and enhance livability along Forest Hill Avenue. The project
is currently in the preliminary design phase. This phase is funded through federal funds and will take approximately one year to complete
before moving on to the next phase.
Goals
The project goals include working with residents, commuters and government agencies to develop solutions to reduce accidents, improve
traffic flow, improve neighborhood access and promote multi-modal transportation. Potential solutions include widening the roadway,
adding a center turn lane, at least one bike lane and sidewalk and possibly a new traffic signal at Rettig Road.
The project will consider the following:
- Widening of the road from four lanes to five lanes
- New or improved curbs and gutters
- Sidewalks
- Bike lanes
- Storm sewer system for improved drainage
- Traffic signal improvements
- GRTC bus stop enhancements
- Landscape enhancements and street lighting improvements
Funding
- The current preliminary design phase is scheduled to cost about $1.5 million.
- Federal funds will pay for the total project estimated to cost $12 million.
- The balance of the estimate will fund acquisition of the right-of-way.
- Construction will not begin until further federal funds are made available
Background
Forest Hill Avenue is considered an urban minor arterial road that serves regional traffic and the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
It connects two major limited access highways, the Powhite Parkway and Chippenham Parkway and includes a significant business corridor.
The busy roadway carries an average daily traffic volume in excess of 26,000 vehicles. Traffic projections over the next few years indicate
that the traffic volumes will continue to increase along the roadway and severely reduce the level of service if no improvements are made.
With the recommended enhancements, the new roadway could accommodate significantly more traffic with a 22% reduction in accidents.
Project Schedule
- Preliminary Studies/Design - Began Feb 2009
- Preliminary (30%) Roadway Plans
- 1st Public Information Meeting - Winter 2009
- Field Inspection (60%) Roadway Plans - Early 2010
- 2nd Public Information Meeting - Spring 2010
- Right of Way Acquisition - To Be Determined
- Begin Construction - To Be Determined
Project Reports and Plans
Check back for updates.
Public Involvement
Public input is an important aspect of this planning process. The project team is committed to a collaborative design process and wants
to hear your ideas about improving traffic flow and safety along Forest Hill Avenue. We hope you will attend the public information
meetings and contribute your ideas either during meetings or by using the comment forms provided online. Newsletters will be developed at
key points in this project to keep you informed of the project’s status and to alert you of meeting and comment opportunities.
To be notified of public meetings and other project information, please provide your mailing address and email address for e-updates.
Join our mailing list.
Public Meeting/Hearing Announcements
Public meetings will be held throughout the design process so that the project team can present ideas to the public and discuss key
findings as they work toward a final project design.
Meeting Agendas and Summaries
Check back for updates.
Newsletters
Newsletters will be developed throughout the planning process to provide insight about upcoming public meetings and general information
regarding the progress of the project.
Comment Forms
Check back for updates.
Contact Us
Project Team Contact:
City Engineer, Project Manager
Jim Leadbetter
Department of Public Works, 6th Floor, City Hall
City of Richmond
900 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Email James.Leadbetter@richmondgov.com