Bridge, sewer and pedestrian projects ramp up this spring across Henrico

Henrico County’s departments of Public Works and Public Utilities are pushing forward with a diverse slate of infrastructure projects this spring, ranging from major bridge repairs to essential sewer expansions funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Henrico County’s April 2026 “Word on the Street” reports for each district highlight a county-wide focus on pedestrian and bike safety, traffic calming, roundabout construction and seasonal environmental health.

District-by-district construction

Brookland District – Work is ongoing at Bethlehem Road, where pedestrian and traffic improvements are slated for a 2027 completion. While the road remains closed for utility work, drivers are being detoured via Dickens Road and West Broad Street. Additionally, the Greenwood Road bridge repair is expected to wrap up this spring.

Fairfield District – Major long-term projects include the Magellan Parkway pedestrian bridge over I-95, with a projected completion in 2028, and the Upham Brook trunk sewer installation, set to finish in 2027. Magellan Parkway remains closed between Level Green Lane and Park Central Drive through spring 2027.

Three Chopt District – Construction is heavy in Three Chopt, with the Sadler Road improvements and a new roundabout at Sadler Grove Road underway. Significant sewer work is also active, including the West Ridge and Westin Estates projects, which aim to transition residents from septic systems to county services.

Tuckahoe District – Safety is the priority in Tuckahoe, where a new roundabout at Raintree and Falconbridge drives is scheduled for completion this week. Pedestrian improvements at Starling Drive and Quioccasin Road are also finishing this month.

Varina District – Multiple ARPA-funded water and sewer extensions are nearing completion this spring in Greendale Park and along Hanover Road as well as on Evergreen and Taylor Roads. The Meadow Road bridge replacement is also expected to finish this spring, with the road currently closed through May. The project over Boar Swamp Creek located between Crib Lane and Woodview Drive uses a new triple box culvert, a reinforced concrete, rectangular-shaped structure used to allow water to pass underneath.

Major themes and project types

• Traffic calming and safety – The county currently is finishing its 2025 list of speed bump installations. Specific new bumps are scheduled for Weldon Drive, Hollins Road, Ralston Road, and University Drive.

• Pedestrian safety – Projects like the Hermitage Road improvements and the Virginia Capital Trail lighting at Rocketts Landing focus on vulnerable road users.

• Sewer and water extensions – A major theme is the expansion of services to areas currently on septic and wells, such as the Old Washington Highway project.

• Bridge construction – Bridge repairs and replacements are active on Parham Road, Greenwood Road, Lakeside Avenue, and Meadow Road Crossing.

Starting soon

Residents should prepare for new construction beginning in late spring and early summer:

• Parham Road bridge repair project – Scheduled to begin in late spring, the project will repair and enhance the bridge that travels over the CSX railroad tracks between Ackley Avenue and Staples Mill Road.

• Fall Line Trail (Villa Park phase) – Construction will begin in early summer.

• North Parham Road sidewalk – Construction on a new stretch between Holly Hill Road and Weldon Drive will begin in early summer.

• Lakeside Avenue bridge replacement – The project will remove the existing Lakeside Avenue bridge crossing over North Run Creek, located between Fairway Avenue and Club Road, and construct a new bridge in the same location, beginning this summer.

Seasonal and environmental initiatives

April is "Keep Henrico Beautiful" month. The county is currently accepting nominations for Land Lover and Clean Business awards through the end of the month to recognize sustainable property maintenance.

Additionally, the county's mosquito team has begun active monitoring. A recent cleanup removed 700 pounds of trash from a stream between Wilmer Avenue and Brook Road to eliminate breeding grounds. Residents can schedule free residential mosquito inspections to identify potential risks on their own properties.

Events and public involvement

Henrico County is actively seeking resident feedback through the following events and surveys:

• Garden City improvements public hearing – April 30, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at North Park Branch Library;

• HenBIKEo safety workshop – May 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Libbie Mill Library;

• Mayland Drive safety survey – Public Works officials are seeking input on proposed bike lanes and a roundabout for Mayland Drive, in the Three Chopt district, which has seen 18 crashes per year since 2020. Feedback is being accepted through April 29.

For details or to report issues like potholes, residents can visit the Henrico County Traffic Division website or contact the Department of Public Works at (804) 501-4393.

Dina Weinstein is the Citizen’s community vitality reporter and a Report for America corps member, covering housing, health and transportation. Support her work and articles like this one by making a contribution to the Citizen.