Akron advances 2026 water main replacement program and ratifies emergency repairs

Akron advances 2026 water main replacement program and ratifies emergency repairsThe Akron City Council has moved forward with bidding for its annual water main replacement program while officially ratifying emergency repair contracts with Wingfoot Rental & Development following multiple main breaks.

Council authorized the Director of Public Service to advertise for bids for the 2026 Water Main Replacement Program.

Emergency, no-bid contracts with Wingfoot Rental & Development were ratified for water main repairs on South Valley Street.

Additional emergency repairs by Wingfoot Rental & Development were ratified for Smith Road, Riverview Road, Crosby Street, and Shatto Avenue.

During the June 29, 2026, City Council meeting, the City of Akron advanced key components of its water distribution infrastructure agenda. Councilman Kamer introduced multiple water-related ordinances, which were subsequently placed on the consent agenda for approval. The centerpiece of the legislative action is the 2026 Water Main Replacement Program. The council authorized the Director of Public Service to publicly advertise for bids and enter into contracts for the replacement of various water mains throughout the city. In addition to the planned 2026 replacements, the council ratified emergency actions previously taken by the Director of Public Service to address immediate infrastructure failures. The city authorized no-bid emergency contracts with Wingfoot Rental & Development to conduct urgent water main repairs at several locations across the municipality. The ratified emergency repairs covered a water main on South Valley Street, as well as additional main breaks located at Smith Road and Riverview Road, 716 Crosby Street, 535 Crosby Street, and Shatto Avenue.