Digging In: Henrico County public works tackle major fall infrastructure, safety and utility upgrades

Henrico County’s Department of Public Works and Department of Public Utilities are managing a robust slate of infrastructure, traffic safety, and utility modernization projects across all five magisterial districts this September as described in the department’s Word on the Street monthly emails focusing on each of the county’s district.

Traffic calming and pedestrian safety projects include: Speed bumps are slated for Fayette Avenue and Apollo Road in Fairfield; Ziontown Road in Tuckahoe; and 13 streets in Varina, including Merle, National and Wilton roads.

Bridges and infrastructure extensions: Key bridge initiatives include Parham and Greenwood Road repairs, the Lakeside Avenue bridge replacement, and the Magellan Parkway pedestrian bridge. Major extensions include Liesfeld Farm Drive and Magellan Parkway.

Projects under construction by districts

BROOKLAND DISTRICT

• Bethlehem Road pedestrian and traffic improvements: Bethlehem Road remains closed for utility work with detours via Dickens Road, West Broad Street, and Libbie Avenue; construction is currently paused due to utility conflicts.

• Bridge repair projects: Work continues on both the Greenwood Road bridge with completion set for fall and the Parham Road bridge with completion expected spring 2027.

• Old Washington Highway sewer and water extension: An ARPA-funded utility project is installing new sewer and water mains for homes on septic systems and private wells, closing Old Washington Highway between Mill and Mountain roads.

FAIRFIELD DISTRICT

•Magellan Parkway extensions and pedestrian bridge: Infrastructure expansion includes the Magellan Parkway and St. Charles Road extensions, alongside the construction of a pedestrian bridge over Interstate 95.

•Trail and utility projects: Crews are advancing the Fall Line Trail (Villa Park phase), Upham Brook Trunk Sewer installation, East Highland Park Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 1, and Virginia Center Commons sewer and water main replacements.

Four significant projects in the Fairfield District are preparing to begin construction this fall:

• East Highland Park sewer rehabilitation;
• Lakeside Avenue bridge replacement;
• Richmond-Henrico Turnpike improvements/infrastructure upgrades;
• Virginia Center Commons ring road lighting.

THREE CHOPT DISTRICT

• Sadler Road realignment and improvements and Liesfeld Farm Drive extensions: Sadler Road improvements entered a new phase Sept. 14 with Cox Road detours remaining active, while work continues on the Liesfeld Farm Drive extension.

• Neighborhood sewer and water projects: ARPA-funded utility projects are underway in Tuckahoe Creek, West Ridge, Westin Estates, and along Wyndham Park Drive and Dominion Club Drive.

TUCKAHOE DISTRICT

•Sidewalks and traffic upgrades: New sidewalk construction is progressing along Eastridge Road and North Parham Road. The Maybeury Drive turn lane at Patterson Avenue is now complete.

• Ridgecrest water main replacement: Utility crews are replacing 2,375 linear feet of water main across Rolando Drive, Holly Hill Road, St. Michaels Lane, and Townley Road.

• Safety around schools: Phase 2 of countywide pedestrian signals will install two pedestrian hybrid beacons on Three Chopt Road near Douglas S. Freeman High School and Tuckahoe Middle School.

VARINA DISTRICT

• Water and sewer upgrades: Active projects include the Williamsburg Road water main installation, Mary Street sewer rehabilitation, Colonial Court area water rehabilitation, and ARPA-funded extensions on Evergreen, Taylor, Hanover, and Early roads. Beulah Road pedestrian improvements are complete.

Upcoming public meetings

The Virginia Department of Transportation will host a public hearing regarding Staples Mill Road improvements on Oct. 1 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Glen Allen Branch Library.

Seasonal services and information

Leaf collection programs: Public Works vacuum leaf collection orders begin Oct. 26 ($50 for first two orders, $100 for subsequent orders). Free curbside collection of bagged leaves through Public Utilities runs Nov. 9 through Feb. 7.

Mosquito breeding prevention: Residents are advised to drain standing water around properties; free breeding site inspections can be scheduled online with Henrico's mosquito team.

The Sustainability Division has moved from General Services to Public Works to better align energy-efficiency programs, tree plantings, and environmental grant initiatives.

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.