Renderings show high-speed bus lanes inset along Midlothian Turnpike, with road narrowed to two lanes

Planning work continues for a planned rapid-transit bus route that would connect Richmond’s Northside and Southside, similar to the Pulse bus, which runs east-to-west.

GRTC officials briefed a City Council committee on progress last month, with the long-term project currently projected to begin operation in 2032.

The transit company showed renderings of how it would overlay the high-speed bus lanes into the current roadway.

Along Leigh Street downtown, the bus lane would operate as bus-only during rush hours only, and be available to all traffic at other times.

On Southside, Midlothian Turnpike would shrink from three to two lanes each way along the planned route, with the bus lanes placed between two medians.

On the Northside, the changes along Chamberlayne Avenue would look most similar to the current Pulse bus route on Broad Street.

GRTC said it has hosted more than 25 outreach and engagement events as planning continues, with more on the way.

The project’s first phase would connect the Brookhill Azalea Shopping Center on Northside with the Springline development in Chesterfield, connecting through downtown Richmond.

Simultaneous to this process, GRTC is also working to expand the current Pulse bus further into Henrico County, with a planned western extension.

That project is estimated to begin construction in April 2028 if all funding can be secured.

Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.