RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of General Services (DGS) announced that it will be changing Capitol Square hours and that parts of the grounds will be inaccessible due to construction.
From March 1 through March 13, Capitol Square will be open from sunrise until 7 p.m.
Starting March 14, Capitol Square will open at sunrise and close at 9 p.m.
“We have several Capitol Square construction projects beginning in the next few weeks that will change the walkability of the square and make parts of it less accessible,” said DGS Director Joe Damico. “These new Capitol Square hours are being put in place to limit the amount of time people will be walking around active construction sites in the dark and for the safety of those who are working on or visiting Capitol Square.”
Contractors will begin construction on March 1. They will replace the skylight with a simulated skylight and a new structural infill. The Capitol extension will be closed until construction is finished by late summer.
Crews will begin working on enhancements to North Drive in early March. Fencing will go up around North Drive, closing off half of the road and walkways.
The North Drive enhancements will include a new Capitol Police guard station and a new entrance gate for North Drive that will reflect the historic 1865 entry gate. These projects are slated to be complete in the fall of this year.
“With all of this increased construction activity, it is imperative that individuals be aware of their surroundings,” said Damico. “Our primary concern at DGS is safety, and we want to make sure that people who are walking around Capitol Square and our construction crews are safe while these improvements are underway."
