Richmond, Va. (WTVR) - The city of Richmond has designated two emergency relief shelters for residents to use if they expect to be displaced by Hurricane Sandy.
The shelters are now open. One is located at Linwood Holton elementary school on the Northside (1600 West Laburnum Ave.) and the other is located at J.H. Blackwell elementary school on the Southside (1600 Everett Street).
Each route will begin every hour on the hour beginning at each starting point.
GRTC is providing transportation to the emergency relief shelters as needed. Residents needing transportation to the shelters should look for the buses marked “Special” on the following routes:
Bus 1: Chimborazo going west to 21st Street to Princess Anne Ave. to Whitcomb Street to Ford Ave. back to Mechanicsville Tnpk. to Fairfield Way to 17th Street to Broad and then west to Malvern and turn right to Laburnum Ave. to Linwood Holton School.
Bus 2: Harrison Street and Main Street to Colorado Avenue to Meadow Street to Idlewood Ave. to Robinson to Main to Nansemond to Cary Street east on Cary Street to McCloy Street to Douglasdale Road to the Boulevard to Linwood Holton School.
Bus 3: Jeff Davis Hgwy. and Wamsley Boulevard to Semmes Ave. left to Forest Hill Ave. to Hug. School (no stop at Wall Mart) turn around and go back down Forest Hill Ave. to Semmes Ave. to Commerce Road to Maury Street to Blackwell School.
Bus 4: Hull Street west to Chippenham Parkway to Midlothian Tnpk. to Hull Street to 16th Street to Blackwell School.
Bus 5: Start at 1st Street and Front Street, go through the #34 route to Brookland Park Blvd., right to North Ave., turn right to Brook Road, turn right to Azalea Ave., right to Chamberlayne Ave. to Brookland Park Blvd. to North Ave., right to 1st Street to Leigh Street, to N. Boulevard, to Laburnum Avenue, to Linwood Holton School.
Additionally, GRTC Route #74 Oak Grove will take residents to the Southside Shelter (Blackwell). The Oak Grove bus will be running its regular route, but residents traveling to the shelter may identify themselves, and will not be charged a fee.
Individuals with disabilities and who require assistance with transportation to a city Emergency Relief Shelter should call 3-1-1 or (804) 646-7000.
GRTC Transportation assistance will operate until 11:00 p.m. tonight and will resume services at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. GRTC Transportation assistance will cease if sustained winds reach 30 miles per hour or greater.
