Overview
The city is currently reviewing options for improving Forest Hill Avenue from west of the Powhite Parkway to east of Hathaway Road.
The impetus for the project is to improve multi-modal safety, as well as to enhance livability along Forest Hill Avenue. The project
is currently in the preliminary design phase.
Project Schedule
- Preliminary Studies/Design - Began February 2009
- Preliminary (30%) Roadway Plans - Ongoing
- Public Information Meeting #1 - December, 17, 2009
- Public Information Meeting #2 – November 10, 2010
- Public Information Meeting #3 – March 17, 2011
- Public Review of Project Documents July 13, 2011
- City Planning Commission Conceptual Approval July 18, 2011
- Stakeholder Meeting September 21, 2011
- Stakeholder Meeting October 26, 2011
- Mark Edge of Improvements, Right of Way, and Impacted Trees - Complete 1/31/12
- Public Hearing – August 2012
- UDC Final - 9/06/12
- CPC Final - 9/17/12
- Start Right of Way Acquisition - January 2013
- Construction Advertisement – Janurary 2014
Goals
The project will consider the following:
- Improving the road from four lanes to five lanes by installing a raised landscaped median for left turn lanes
- New curb
- Four foot Sidewalks
- Four foot planting strip
- Five foot Bike lanes without gutter pan
- Storm sewer system for improved drainage
- Traffic signal improvements
- GRTC bus stop enhancements
- Landscape enhancements and street lighting improvements
Funding
- Federal funds will pay for the total project estimated to cost $12 million.
- The current design phase is estimated to cost about $2 million.
- Utility relocation and right of way is estimated at $1.5 million.
- Construction will cost approximately $8.5 million.
Background
Forest Hill Avenue is an urban minor arterial road serving regional traffic and the surrounding neighborhoods and the surrounding
businesses. It connects two major limited access highways, the Powhite Parkway and Chippenham Parkway and includes a significant
business corridor. The busy roadway carries and average daily traffic volume in excess of 27,000 vehicles (2007). Traffic
projections over the next few years indicate traffic volumes will continue to increase along the roadway and severely impact safety
and accessibility if no improvements are made. With the recommended enhancements, the new roadway will provide a safe, multi-modal
corridor for all users and improve livability.
Project Maps
Design Conceptually Approved by City Planning Commision July 18, 2011 :
Forest Hill Stakeholder Meetings :
Project Documents and Materials(As requested by citizens)
Contact Us
Project Contact:
Mr. Kevin Newcomb, P.E. Project Manager
Department of Public Works
City of Richmond
900 E. Broad St., Room 603
Richmond, VA 23219
Email
