Plus, Parks and Rec vision plan meetings
 
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VDOT shares new Mayo Bridge concepts
RICtoday_MayoIsland_Manchester_MayoBridge
VDOT initially thought the historic bridge would only require rehabilitation, but decided to replace the whole bridge after evaluating its deterioration. | Photo by RICtoday
The design process of the Mayo Bridge replacement project is now underway. The Virginia Dept. of Transportation has released the results of a public survey from earlier this year and will host a citizen information meeting this month to gather more feedback.

At a community meeting in May, neighborhood groups discussed the multi-modal opportunities the future bridge could offer. Those sentiments appear to be reflected in the VDOT survey results.

RICtoday_MayoBridge_VDOTSurveyResults

A pie chart of existing bridge concerns shows cyclist and pedestrian safety at 34% and 33%, respectively.

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Chart via VDOT documents

Roughly a third of survey respondents included cyclist safety as an existing bridge concern, and another third included pedestrian safety.

When asked about the highest priority for traffic, 86% said it should be to increase bike-ped safety.

VDOT is hosting a citizen information meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Plan RVA Office.

In advance of the meeting, the department released a presentation with details about the replacement and several concepts for the new bridge.

RICtoday_MayoBridge_VDOTConcepts

Two concepts show the addition of protected recreation areas (in green) and wider sidewalks (orange).

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Images via VDOT documents

The new Mayo Bridge will likely follow a slightly different path across the James. VDOT says the new alignment will ease construction detours, reduce the sharp road bend at the flood wall, and increase the size of the western portion of the future Mayo Park.

The new bridge will be at least 66 feet wide, but VDOT could pursue a 76-foot option. The increase would raise the projected cost by around $25 million, but could create space for five-foot-wide bike lanes on each side of the bridge.

All the proposed concepts include four lanes of vehicle traffic, but VDOT says it’s open to hearing ideas on reducing the number of travel lanes. It also wants feedback on bridge configuration changes, including using barriers or adding overhang bump-outs for fishing and sightseeing.
 
Quiz
 

The Mayo Bridge became toll-free for the first time when Richmond annexed Manchester in 1910.

A. True
B. False
 
Virginia Lottery
 
Events
 
Thursday, Sept. 5
  • Music at Main Street Station | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Main Street Station | Free | Head to the patio to groove with Soul Expressions, DJ Danja Mowf, and host Kai Valdez.
  • VCU Women’s Soccer vs. UVA | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 7-9 p.m. | Sports Backers Stadium | $8-$11 | Cheer on the Rams as they take on the Hoos at home.
Friday, Sept. 6
Saturday, Sept. 7
  • RVA Square Dance | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 1-4 p.m. | Studio Two Three | $10 | Kids under 13 get in free to this community dance with live music from Crooked Creek Misfits.
  • Flying Squirrels vs. Akron RubberDucks | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 6:05 p.m. | The Diamond | $10-$25 | The Squirrels will wear custom jerseys to be auctioned off for ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation Night.
  • An Evening with Prince – A Tribute | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 8 p.m. | Dogwood Dell | Free | Nothing compares 2 this Festival of Arts Prince tribute.
Sunday, Sept. 8
  • 15th Anniversary Community Arts Open House | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 1-4:30 p.m. | Dominion Energy Center | Free | To celebrate Dominion Energy Center’s 15th anniversary as a hub for performing arts, RPAA, along with the venue’s resident companies, will be offering free activities, workshops, and performances.*
  • Goth Babe | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 6 p.m. | Brown’s Island | $41-$156 | Enjoy a night of tunes with the alt-indie act and The Aces.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
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Arts
 

Arts
The Richmond Ballet's Minds in Motion performance at the Genworth Lights Up! Grand Finale!
This open house will showcase the rich diversity of the arts in the Richmond area. | Photo by Tom Topinka
Did you know? The Richmond Performing Arts Alliance (RPAA) opened Dominion Energy Center 15 years ago. The goal: To create a hub where local performing arts organizations could share their talents with the River City community.

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, RPAA, along with other local artists, is hosting a free Community Arts Open House on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Starting at 1:00 p.m., you’re invited to enjoy a day packed with fun hands-on activities, art-making workshops, theater tours, demonstrations, and performances by:
Pro tip: Pre-register for a chance to win tickets to “Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play!”
 
News Notes
 
Announced
  • Get ready to cheer on the Squirrels at CarMax Park. The Goochland-based used car retailer bought the naming rights for the stadium. Ground will be broken tomorrow, Sept. 6 with a projected April 2026 open date.
Closed
Open
  • You can now enjoy a meal from Latitude Seafood Co. while you take in views of the Swift Creek Reservoir. The new spot on Hull Street Road is the third Southside location for the local restaurant, which is known for its contemporary seafood menu. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Biz
  • Ice cream shop Westray’s Finest has closed, according to a sign posted on its Lombardy Street storefront. The business looks to be shifting its focus to mobile trucks and wholesale pints.
Shop
  • After a brief hiatus, the Scott’s Addition Farmers Market is back, this time at Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop. The market will remain at Starr Hill on Wednesday evenings until its original location, The Workshop by T&D, reopens at the end of the month.
Festival
Active
Film
  • If your December traditions include a screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Byrd, you can get your tickets now. The theater will screen the Christmas classic four times this holiday season. Pro tip: Scroll down through the screenings and you’ll also see the stacked Halloween lineup.
Pets
  • Raise money for Henrico Humane Society and enjoy an afternoon out with your pup at the Bark in the Park Dog Walk. The event will take place at Deep Run Park on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register for the 2K walk to help reach the $10,000 goal.
Shop
  • You’ll be on cloud wine at The Sip & Shop Experience, happening this Friday, Sept.6-Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. Browse one-of-a-kind pieces, all while sipping on delicious wine that will elevate your shopping experience. Learn more + buy tix.*
 
 
Civic
 

Help inspire Richmond Parks and Rec
RICtoday_ParksGuide_ForestHill
The vision plan will help guide the future of city parks and community centers. | Photo by @rva.familyfun
The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities is working on its first citywide vision plan since the 1970s. You can get involved at one of several public workshops coming up next week.

The plan, called Richmond INSPIRE, will reach the 170+ parks, playgrounds, and fields managed by PRCF, as well as its 20 community centers.

Here’s the schedule of workshops:
  • 1st District | Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 8-10 a.m. | Humphrey Calder Community Center
  • 2nd District | Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 12-2 p.m. | Midtown Green
  • 3rd District | Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 5-7 p.m. | Pine Camp Arts and Community Center
  • 4th District | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 8-10 a.m. | Westover Hills Community Center
Can’t make an in-person event? An online survey is open until Friday, Sept. 27.

Get more information on Richmond INSPIRE by clicking the button below.
 
The Buy
 
A bottle of Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 76 Perfume. The limited edition fall scent features notes of jasmine, amber, and black currant.
 
 
The Wrap
 
Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin
From the editor
I’ve got tomorrow’s CarMax Park groundbreaking underlined, circled, and starred in my calendar. We’ll see how the new ballpark lines up with expectations as construction continues.
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