The Northside Project

What exactly is a Combined Sewer Overflow, or CSO? This video explains CSOs and how the Northside Interceptor Tunnel (NSIT) is part of the City of Akron’s Akron Waterways Renewed! program to nearly eliminate them.

Learn how the tunnel works, why it’s critical for protecting the Cuyahoga River, and how Akron is meeting EPA clean water goals for a healthier community and environment.

On April 23, 2025, tunneling officially began on the Northside Interceptor Tunnel—a major milestone for the project! Extending from the Chuckery Metro Parks area to Front Street, the tunnel will span 6,660 feet beneath North Hill and is expected to reach breakthrough in approximately five months. With round-the-clock coordination and specialized crews in place, progress will continue steadily as the tunnel boring machine, Elaine, advances beneath the city.

On February 12, 2025 crews worked deep inside the Front Street Drop Shaft, executing a critical installation 120 feet below the surface. With precision and coordination, a 54-inch HOBAS pipe was carefully placed into an 84-inch excavated opening at the base of the Rack 35 shaft. Once positioned, the pipe was secured with grout and final shaft concrete, ensuring long-term stability and performance. Watch the video below to see this important construction process in action.

On January 23, 2025, the Northside Interceptor Tunnel team in Akron, Ohio, pulled off a massive feat—rotating Elaine, our 450-ton Tunnel Boring Machine, about 30 degrees to align with the next phase of tunneling. Working 150 feet underground, the crew navigated tight clearances and freezing temperatures to make this move happen. After the turn, Elaine was carefully pushed into the starter tunnel, where final assembly is now underway. Check out this engineering milestone from above!

The NSIT project, spearheaded by the City of Akron, has been featured in the Fall 2024 issue of DDC Journal, a publication renowned for highlighting excellence and innovation in development, design, and construction. The article details the project's groundbreaking approach, environmental benefits, and community impact as a key advancement in Ohio's water infrastructure. The publication recognizes the project's role in transforming regional waterways, showcasing the collaborative efforts and strategic planning that have made it a cornerstone of Akron's environmental future. To learn more, visit DDC Journal's Fall 2024 issue and read the article on page 127.

On January 6th, 2025, City of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik visited the NSIT construction site to highlight the project's progress and its significance for Akron's environmental goals. Elaine Marsh, the environmental advocate for whom the tunnel boring machine "Elaine" is named, was also present to emphasize the importance of this initiative in protecting the Cuyahoga River. Their visit underscored the city’s commitment to improving water quality and addressing sewer overflows through this transformative project.