This critical sewer line has developed cracks, the embankment is eroding, and the structural supports are at risk of being undermined from flooding of the Cuyahoga River. All these issues put the critical sewer line at risk of failing. While temporary repairs were made in 2018, a permanent solution is needed.
Keeping Our River Clean: Sewer Line Relocation
As we go about our daily lives, we often take for granted the infrastructure that keeps things running smoothly in our city. This includes the many miles of streets, sidewalks and water and sewer pipes that are hidden in plain sight.
One of those critical sewer lines is located along the Cuyahoga River from Summit St. to Fairchild Ave.
The most viable solution is to relocate the sewer line away from the Cuyahoga River, which will require significant construction through downtown Kent from Summit St. to Fairchild Ave.
The preferred option is to install the pipe on property owned by the railroad. This would require purchasing the property from the railroad, which is currently being explored.
The alternate option is to install the pipe underneath North Water St. and Franklin Ave., which would be disruptive to the downtown area.
View the Proposed Sewer Relocation Map (link to Proposed Alternative PDF) to see the path of the existing sewer line and the paths for the options.
While replacing the existing sewer line will cause disruption in downtown Kent, it also introduces the potential to make some enhancements. A Citizens Advisory Committee and Kent City Council have both been working with the City Engineer’s Office to brainstorm ideas for improvements in the area of North Water St. and Franklin Ave. These ideas fall into the areas of Infrastructure and Parks and Recreation.
Some considerations for Infrastructure include improving the Franklin Ave./Summit St. intersection and public restrooms. View the list of ideas. (Link to Heritage Fest Infrastructure PDF)
Ideas for the Parks and Recreation theme include lighting the Main St. bridge, splash pads, and more access to the Cuyahoga River. View the list of ideas. (Link to Heritage fest Parks and Rec PDF)
The final recommendation for enhancements is still being discussed and depends on which option for sewer relocation is selected.
The project budget is approximately $15 million and funding opportunities are being pursued.
The project is still in the early planning stages and a design consultant has been hired.
Work is expected to begin in 2029 and take two years to complete.
Relocation Map (use Proposed Alternatives for Web PDF)
Infrastructure Map (use Heritage Fest Infrastructure PDF)
Parks and Recreation Map (use Heritage Fest Parks and Rec PDF)
Questions or comments about this project should be directed to Cori Wimer in the City Engineering Division at 330-678-8106 or Cori.Wimer@kentohio.gov.