The Akron Public Service Committee approved a favorable report on legislation authorizing the director of public service to enter agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for improvements to the All‑American Bridge on State Route 261.

Chris Luddle, director of public service, told the committee the $5.6 million project will include concrete deck patching and spall removal, installation of a net beneath the bridge to catch falling concrete, repairs to pile caps and replacement of the anti‑vandalism fence. ODOT’s standard fence height is 6 feet; the city requested replacement at the current 8‑foot height and will pay the estimated incremental cost of about $288,000 plus installation labor. Luddle said the project has bid documents ready, is expected to be bid soon, and would begin this summer with completion anticipated in the fall. Work will maintain one lane of traffic each direction during construction.

Committee members asked technical questions about “spalling” (where concrete flakes or breaks away) and fence design. Councilman Lombardo asked for clarification on spall removal; Luddle explained crews will remove loose concrete and recoat and repaint the parapet wall after fence replacement. Councilman DeShazier asked about fence curvature; Luddle said this bridge does not have a curved fence and the replacement will be straight at the requested height.

The committee voted to suspend the rules and gave the ordinance a favorable report so it can proceed in the council process.