Hull Street reconstruction addresses longtime southside concerns

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - A major construction project will begin next month on one of Richmond’s busiest southside corridors.

The goal is to make Hull Street a whole lot smoother, but it is going to bring some road closures and detours first.

The Department of Public Works is set to launch the Hull Street Corridor Reconfiguration Project March 16 between Cowardin Avenue and Belt Boulevard.

It will level out the pavement, resurface the street and improve the markings

The road has suffered from potholes, bumps and drainage issues for decades.

Demetri York, who has lived in Richmond for more than 30 years, said the conditions have remained consistently poor.

“I just left a brother had to get his alignment and stuff redone from the bumps and stuff and the roads. So it definitely needs to be expedited in a certain way,” York said.

It is projected to be divided into six phases and during each one, the section will be completely closed to traffic.

• Phase 1: Cowardin Avenue to W 21st Street
• Phase 2: W 21st Street to Clopton Street
• Phase 3: Clopton Street to Tynick Street
• Phase 4: Tynick Street to E Broad Rock Boulevard
• Phase 5: E Broad Rock Boulevard to E 34th Street
• Phase 6: E 34th Street to Belt Boulevard

Amr Alashaari, who owns Jack Rabbit Convenience Store on Hull Street near 34th Street says the outcome of the construction will be worth it even if it creates some obstacles along the way.

“A lot of customers, they complain about that when they drive here,” he said.

DPW says the phased approach allows crews to work efficiently while ‘minimizing prolonged disruption to the entire corridor.’

Each section will reopen once the work there is done.

The project will also add new features for pedestrians, including safer crossing spots, new sidewalks and ADA ramps.

The city views the project as a way to boost economic development in southside Richmond.

“The more convenient everything, the more convenient it is for people to stop it, take care of their business,” York said. “No one wants to come to the store and you got to deal with potholes, you got to deal with inaccessible ways to get in.”

The project is set to wrap up by mid June.

“By improving this corridor, we are improving safety, enhancing quality of life, and strengthening economic opportunity for everyone who travels this roadway. It also advances our Vision Zero commitment by prioritizing a safer design and striving to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries as we build a stronger, more connected community,” Mayor Danny Avula said in a statement.

Updated schedules, detours, and other information will be posted on rva.gov/public-works/HullStreet