× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

The Riverside Drive entrance to Belle Isle and the James River Park System is scheduled to get a $90,000 makeover next year.

Thanks to a grant from Altria tied to the 2015 UCI Road World Championships, the James River Association is seeking Richmond’s permission to beautify the 22nd Street tower entrance at Riverside, where erosion has created a steep approach to the bridge leading to the island.

The outdoor group plans to improve the area by regrading some sections and adding planting beds, granite steps and a wood-chip path. The concept plan also calls for a new sign at the park entrance.

Because the project would cost more than $25,000, the City Council will have to vote next month to accept the work as a gift from the James River Association.

Altria offered to give the James River Association a no-match grant to do a beautification project of its choosing, as long as the improved area was along the route for the bicycle race and also had stormwater management benefits, according to city documents. The route for the time trial circuit comes close to the 22nd Street tower entrance.