Major pedestrian safety projects coming to Henrico, Chesterfield
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Henrico and Chesterfield are advancing major pedestrian safety projects this year — and some start construction this summer.
Why it matters: It's signaling a broader shift toward making two of the Richmond area's most car-dependent suburbs safer and easier to navigate on foot.
The big picture: Both are expanding sidewalk and trail networks that connect neighborhoods with schools, parks, hospitals and transit, per an Axios review of incoming projects.
Here are three on the way in each county:
🚦 In Henrico, the county announced last week that it wants to add sidewalks and pedestrian signals and improve GRTC transit stops by 2031 at one of its busiest commercial corridors: West Broad Street between Forest Avenue and Willow Lawn.
- Hermitage Road: Early construction is underway on part of an estimated $12 million-$15 million long-term project adding sidewalks and walkways between Staples Mill and Hilliard roads.
- Fall Line Trail: Construction starts this summer on a new multi-use trail between Villa Park Drive and Brook Road set to be done in 2027.
What we're watching: Henrico plans to build a pedestrian and cyclist bridge over I-95 connecting the Garden City Trail and Best Products Reimagined, with construction starting in 2029 and ending in 2031.
🚶🏻♀️ In Chesterfield: The Board of Supervisors last week approved a $4.7 million contract for the years-in-the-making Route 60 Sidewalk Improvements Project, part of a larger push to add and protect pedestrian crossings on Midlo Turnpike.
- Route 1: At least 10 projects are adding pedestrian crossings to shopping centers and improving bus stop access.
- Courthouse Road: the county is building a trail system for pedestrians and cyclists, with Phases B and C undergoing construction later this year.
- Completion dates weren't publicly available.
What we're watching: Chesterfield's "Active Transportation Plan," which will shape future pedestrian projects, is scheduled to be done this summer before heading to the Board of Supervisors.
Go deeper: How Richmond's proposed budget targets pedestrian safety