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Lytle Road water main has 28 breaks; committee hears funding options as repairs mount
Summary
Council members and staff told the Utilities Committee that repeated breaks on Lytle Road — 28 since installation, eight in the past year — are driving discussion of grant applications to Cleveland Water and OPWC to replace the aging line.
Lytle Road in North Royalton has experienced repeated water-main failures and city staff told the Utilities Committee they believe the line is deteriorating rapidly.
Assistant City Engineer Brian Binsley said the line was constructed in 1967 and reported: "There have been 28 total breaks since it has been in place. With 8 of those occurring in the past year." Council member Michael Wos said the recurring failures are "costing the city time and money as well." Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz said the administration will review maps and funding criteria and apply to programs that best match the city's needs.
The committee discussed two primary funding avenues. Binsley described the Cleveland Water Suburban Water Main renewal program, which the committee was told opens for applications in April and would not be a reimbursement grant if awarded. The Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) was identified as another option, with an application window in July and a local-share match requirement; Binsley said projects score better if the city requests less money. Council member Paul Marnecheck asked whether the city would receive funding before work begins; Binsley confirmed that Cleveland Water funding is not a reimbursement program and would be provided in advance.
Committee members pressed for a systematic evaluation of the Lytle Road corridor; Gorjanc asked whether the city would consider excavating and replacing the line outright. Binsley said funding applications are typically targeted after the administration and engineering staff review maps and Cleveland Water's scoring criteria and prioritize areas with the highest failure rates. The committee did not vote on a specific replacement project at the meeting; members directed staff to pursue funding opportunities.
The next step is an internal review of maps and criteria by the administration and the engineering department, then application to the appropriate funding program(s) in the next cycle.
