“Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper” project will slow traffic on Midlothian Turnpike for safety

The Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility (OETM) – a division within the Department of Public Works (DPW) – is working on three “Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper” (LQC) projects across the city “designed to improve (pedestrian and public), promote transportation equity, create more accessible streets, and empower residents through community-driven art installations.” Using LQC models allow the city time to more quickly address urgent issues with low-cost, temporary interventions before securing funding for more permanent installations.

The next 3 projects up are:

(1) Mosby Street and Mechanicsville Turnpike near MLK Jr MS
(2) Hermitage Road and Laburnum Ave near Linwood Holton ES
(3) Midlothian Turnpike near Richmond High School for the Arts

The Midlothian Turnpike project will consist of installing traffic calming, road diet, flexible posts and working with the community and students to install a street art/mural project near the school.

This project will narrow Midlothian Turnpike by one lane in one direction as the south/west-bound lanes of Midlothian Turnpike approach the school. This will create a safer crossing distance and reduce vehicle speeds so people along Midlothian Turnpike can safely access walking to the school and to be able to access the upgraded outdoor amenities underway at the school site.

The new design will impact Midlothian Turnpike from the 3700 to 4800 blocks of Midlothian Turnpike (37th Street to just west of the school).

Work is projected to begin in April or May.