Work is progressing on both the Richmond Highway widening and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The BRT project received approval to enter the Engineering Phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants Program earlier this year. County staff continue to make progress on detailed engineering and design work, securing additional funding and preparing for construction.
Recent updates made to the road widening project include:
- Progress on detailed engineering and design work that includes the reconfiguration of several cross-sections to make them more pedestrian-friendly in response to community feedback received through the project’s outreach.
- A robust construction management plan, particularly for the numerous entrances onto Richmond Highway.
- Securing necessary land and easements.
- Coordination with utility companies.
However, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recently informed the county that the road widening is not anticipated to be completed until 2032. As a result, this would push back the BRT project start date to early 2035. Since being informed of the construction timeline update, the county and VDOT teams have worked to reduce the delays and now expect to complete the BRT project by 2033.
They were able to reduce some delays by having VDOT build the transit lanes for the BRT project, which will increase concurrent work between the widening and BRT lane construction, thereby improving efficiency and reducing overall construction duration. To date, staff has reduced the delay by approximately two years and will continue to seek ways to reduce the delay even further.
“The Richmond Highway Road widening and the BRT project are not just about enhancing transit and other modes of transportation; they are about fostering economic growth, improving the quality of life for our residents and building a sustainable future. I have been a strong advocate for this project for over 20 years. I am pleased by the progress made to date, especially the funding commitment by the Federal Transit Authority toward the BRT, but I am very disappointed to hear that the projects will be delayed. I will continue to work to minimize any delays in the schedule so that we can move forward with our partners to create a modern, efficient and reliable transit system that meets the evolving needs of our vibrant community,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay.
Background
The Richmond Highway BRT project extends from the Huntington Metro Station to Fort Belvoir and will feature a dedicated bus lane for most of its length and mixed traffic. The project aims to address current transit challenges, such as long travel times and infrequent service, while providing a faster, more reliable transit option. The BRT system will include nine stations and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities to support regional connectivity and economic growth. Endorsed by the Board of Supervisors in 2015, the BRT system supports federal investments, including upgrades to Fort Belvoir.
The road widening is undertaken in coordination with VDOT and includes additional integrated lanes, enhanced facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, and reserving the median for the BRT.
These transformational projects are crucial components of Embark Richmond Highway, the county’s broader initiative to revitalize the Richmond Highway area with improved transportation infrastructure, placemaking and economic development.
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