Modernizing the infrastructure below Northland and Norton streets
Our City’s 100-year-old sewer system combines sanitary sewage and storm water, and we must upgrade it to protect the Rocky River and Lake Erie. This Clean Water Lakewood project will modernize the infrastructure that is below Northland and Norton Avenues so we can meet the demands of the next century and Clean Water Act regulations. This project is expected to be complete in July 2026.
Do you live on Northland or Norton?
Our Good Neighbor Commitment will help you know what to expect during this project.
Project Updates
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How will residents benefit from this project?+-
At the end of this project, residents will see:
- Improved water quality and water flow
- Improved flow to fire hydrants
- Better storm drainage
- Protection for the environment
- Newly paved streets
- New concrete curbs and driveway aprons
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What lies beneath Northland and Norton Avenues?+-
These neighborhoods were built over a century ago and include the following infrastructure:
- 90-107 year-old watermain and sewer mains
- Lead pipes bring water from the watermain in the street to homes, which is a potential water quality hazard
- Its been at least 13 to almost 25 years since the streets were resurfaced
- The existing water flow to fire hydrants is too low, which creates a potential safety hazard
In comparison, new sewers and watermains last 50 years and newly resurfaced streets last 9 to 12 years.
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What infrastructure improvements are we making on Northland and Norton?+-
Project work will include
- Replacing the watermain on Northland-South (Delaware to Hilliard) and Northland-North (Madison to Detroit), and Norton
- Separating the sanitary and storm sewers on Northland-North
- Recoating the sanitary mains in the street
- Replacing storm and sanitary sewer laterals (and cleanouts) within the right of way for all properties within the project limits
- Replacing lead water service lines with copper water service lines
- Installing new curbs (with underdrains) along both sides of each street
- Installing new driveway aprons for all properties within the project limits
- Resurfacing the street and restore the site with street trees and landscaping
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Project Timeline+-
Contractors will be working on the three streets at various times, depending on the work task needed to be completed.
June 2025 – Project Out to Bid
July 2025 – Construction To Begin
November 2025 – Anticipated completion of all work on Norton
July 2026 – Anticipated construction completion of all work on each section of Northland
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Project Funding+-
This is a City‐funded and budgeted project.
- There is no assessed cost to property owners
- The City is funding this project through:
- Ohio Water Development Authority Grant/Loan
- Revenues from water and sewer rates and impervious surface fees
- Property owners and utility customers will see no additional costs for this project.
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Project FAQs+-
Click here to view the FAQs regarding the Northland/Norton Project.
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Lead Water Safety+-
Click here for information about lead water safety.
