The transportation planning organization shows the project on its books as far back as 2004, said Barbara Nelson, transportation director for the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, which provides staff to the organization.

The road will be widened from four to five lanes, and a raised, landscaped median will be added for left-turn lanes, along with bike lanes; traffic-signal and storm-sewer improvements; sidewalks where none currently exist; and other landscaping and street-lighting features. The speed limit would be reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph.

City officials recorded 216 wrecks on the section from 2006 to 2008. Residents say they fear stopping to make a turn because of the lack of turning lanes and the speed of traffic.

“If you’re trying to turn left or right, you just hold your breath and hope no one rear-ends you,” Musick said. “People gun it.”

But acquiring the rights of way and easements for the project from the parcels on both sides of Forest Hill Avenue has taken the city and its contractors longer than expected, city officials said.

The City Council authorized the acquisition of the rights of way and easements for 46 parcels more than two years ago.