The Road Ahead: Henrico’s expanding network of Public Works projects
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Henrico County is reshaping its infrastructure with dozens of ongoing and planned public works and utilities projects. The October editions of Word on the Street from each of the county’s five magisterial districts — Brookland, Fairfield, Three Chopt, Tuckahoe, and Varina — highlight initiatives that prioritize pedestrian safety, school access, infrastructure renewal, and water system improvements.
Pedestrian safety and mobility
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and every district is experiencing projects to improve walkability and transit access. Countywide initiatives include pedestrian improvements and the transformative Fall Line Trail, which will connect Ashland to Petersburg through Eastern Henrico.
Brookland District
Major pedestrian upgrades include:
• Bethlehem Road pedestrian and traffic improvements (completion expected 2027)
• Parham Road pedestrian improvements – Hungary Spring at Staples Mill
• West Broad Street pedestrian upgrades (Forest Avenue to Pemberton Road)
• Woodman Road improvements
Fairfield District
Connectivity and accessibility projects include:
• East Laburnum Avenue pedestrian improvements
• Dumbarton Road safety and mobility enhancements
• Hilliard Road safety improvements
• Richmond-Henrico Turnpike upgrades
Three Chopt District
Projects underway or starting soon include:
• Sadler Road improvements (completion expected 2026)
• Three Chopt Road improvements
• Shady Grove and Old Nuckols Road safety enhancements
• Twin Hickory Lake Drive intersection improvements
Tuckahoe District
Upgrades are continuing along several corridors:
• Forest Avenue pedestrian improvements
• Ridge Road Sidewalk Phase II
• Ridgefield Parkway Sidewalk Phase III
• Starling Drive & Quioccasin Road and Pump Road pedestrian projects (construction starting early 2026)
Varina District
Eastern Henrico is getting safer sidewalks and transit options:
• Airport Drive and Nine Mile Road pedestrian improvements
• South Laburnum Avenue sidewalks – northbound and southbound
• Williamsburg Road pedestrian and transit improvements
School safety enhancements
Henrico County Public Works, Schools, and the Police Division are jointly reviewing all school zones for new sidewalks, crosswalks, and safety features. Recent and upcoming projects include:
• Brookland – Echo Lake, Greenwood, and Hermitage High
• Fairfield – Glen Lea, Harvie, Longdale, and Laburnum Elementary
• Three Chopt – Deep Run High, Pocahontas Middle, and Shady Grove Elementary
• Tuckahoe – Freeman and Godwin High, Maybeury Elementary
• Varina – Henry Ward and Seven Pines Elementary, Varina High
Infrastructure upgrades and traffic flow improvements
Bridges and Roads
• Brookland – Parham Road bridge repair (construction begins early 2026)
• Fairfield – Woodman Road widening extends north to the Chickahominy River
• Three Chopt and Tuckahoe – Three Chopt and Eastridge roads intersection improvements (completion expected early 2026)
Traffic calming
Neighborhoods continue to see speed humps, roundabouts, and signage updates through Henrico’s Traffic Division. A new roundabout at Raintree Drive and Falconbridge Drive is set for construction in early 2026.
Water and Utility Enhancements
• Tuckahoe District – The Pembrook Sewer & Water Extension, funded through ARPA, will bring modern water and sewer service to homes currently on private wells and septic systems. Completion is expected in November 2025.
• Varina District – Stormwater and drainage improvements accompany roadwork near Laburnum Avenue and Williamsburg Road, bolstering resilience in flood-prone corridors.
By District: Henrico County Public Works Projects at a Glance
| District | Major Projects | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Brookland | Bethlehem Rd., Parham Rd., Woodman Rd. | Pedestrian & school safety |
| Fairfield | Laburnum Ave., Dumbarton Rd., Fall Line Trail | Connectivity & mobility |
| Three Chopt | Sadler Rd., Shady Grove Rd., Three Chopt Rd. | Road safety & walkability |
| Tuckahoe | Ridgefield Pkwy., Forest Ave., Pembrook Sewer | Pedestrian + water infrastructure |
| Varina | Williamsburg Rd., S. Laburnum, Airport Dr. | Transit access & water resilience |
Upcoming events and public input opportunities
• Public information meetings – Find upcoming sessions and materials at henrico.us/projects.
• Traffic Safety Feedback – Report speeding or signage issues to the Henrico Traffic Division.
• Environmental Action – Join Adopt-A-Spot or stream cleanups through Henrico’s Environmental Action Center.
• Board of Supervisors meetings – Open to the public monthly; agendas at henrico.us/supervisors.
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.
