North Royalton moves ahead with salt barn geotech testing; committee also reviews Sprague Road deterioration and ditch repairs

City public-works staff told the Streets Committee on June 2 they are conducting geotechnical investigations ahead of a proposed new salt-storage barn and are reviewing several stormwater and pavement problems across North Royalton.

Director of Public Service and Properties Kevin Nekl said crews are completing 15 core borings behind the existing salt barn to check subsurface conditions before placing block footings, asphalt flooring and erecting a tarp dome. "We want to make sure that there is nothing underneath that would prevent the barn from staying upright over time," Nekl said. Mr. Glass, the city engineer, said 4–5 borings are in the proposed footprint and additional borings are sited in case the location must shift; the design process can move forward once an adequate spot is identified and Planning Commission approval is obtained (target July consideration).

Committee members also reviewed rapid deterioration on Sprague Road. Nekl said the city received a report from Wertz Geotechnical Engineering and that the pavement — a concrete/white-topping layer with fiber mesh and many joints — is degrading and reverting toward gravel; Broadview Heights led coring for the analysis. "It is turning back to its gravel form," Nekl said, and engineers from North Royalton, Broadview Heights and Parma plan to meet to determine long-term repairs. The committee noted the stretch from State Road to Hoertz crosses three jurisdictions and that the county has not yet been engaged.

The committee discussed ditch integrity on Akins and Edgerton roads after field measurements showed narrow paved widths and scouring at some culverts; Mr. Nekl said the city can fortify ditch walls with leftover hot asphalt and noted the city’s Storm Water Financial Assistance Program can provide matching funds for basin or ditch maintenance. Mr. Glass confirmed the program and said it is designed to help HOAs and residents with basin or ditch repairs.

Traffic-calming measures on Bennett Road were discussed: officers will deploy speed trailers and Chief Tarase was asked to report back with data; officials cautioned that speed tables are typically not appropriate on collector streets or hills. A resident, Rich Harrell, praised the new service director for recent work at York and the parkway and urged consideration of four-way stops in problem intersections.

Why this matters: The salt barn is needed for winter operations; confirming subsurface conditions reduces risk of structural failure. Sprague Road deterioration affects multiple jurisdictions and could require a coordinated and potentially costly repair approach. Ditch maintenance and the stormwater assistance program affect homeowner safety and drainage performance.

Next steps: Staff will share geotechnical reports and Planning Commission application materials when available, coordinate inter-jurisdictional meetings on Sprague Road, and have the police report speed-trailer data back to the committee.