Norwood Lake Ditch Project
PROPOSED | Northfield Center Township is working with Summit County, the County Engineer, and local residents to address ongoing drainage and flooding issues near Norwood Lake, including Beech Drive and Cherry Lane.
In early 2024, a formal ditch petition was submitted to the Summit County Engineer’s Office, launching the process to improve stormwater infrastructure. The project includes reconstructing and installing over 1,100 feet of storm sewer and creating a drainage easement to allow for future maintenance. Sewer routing options are also being evaluated to avoid private property when possible.
A public hearing was held in July 2024, where the County reviewed the petition, identified affected properties, and approved the project based on feasibility and benefits. Since then, the project has moved into final design and engineering, with detailed construction plans underway.
Originally, the final design report was expected by August 1, 2025. However, the Summit County Engineer’s Office extended the deadline to October 1, 2026, to allow for additional evaluation, easement coordination, and design adjustments.
To view the details from this meeting click here.
Construction will be scheduled once design work is complete and funding is secured. Residents will be notified before any work begins. The County will prioritize using public right-of-way and keeping residents informed throughout the process.
This project is a joint effort to improve drainage, reduce flooding, and protect property values in the Norwood Lake area.
BEGINNING IN AUGUST | As part of the county-led Summit Connects initiative, construction work will begin in Northfield Center Township the week of August 3, 2025. This work is being performed by Peterson Excavating, under the management of the Development Finance Authority (DFA) and funded entirely by Summit County. This project is a 130-mile high-speed fiber network connecting all 31 communities in Summit County. The network will improve public safety communications and government services — but will not provide internet service to homes or businesses at this time.
Summit Connects Fiber Project
-
Work begins near the western border of SR 82 (close to Sagamore Hills) and primarily follows Olde 8 Road past the municipal building, with construction continuing into Boston Heights.
-
A Point of Presence (PoP) — a key hub where fiber connects into the larger network — will be installed on E Highland Road.
-
Construction will primarily involve underground directional boring of 2" conduits, with some overhead (aerial) cable in certain areas.
-
No township-owned utilities are expected to interfere, and ODOT’s SR 82 repaving was noted with no anticipated conflicts.
-
The contractor will place yard signs one week before work begins and remove them after restoration is complete.
-
Restoration is expected within 7–10 days after work in each area is completed, following ODOT specifications.
Dorwick Ditch Project
DESIGN PHASE | The Summit County Engineer's Office is undertaking the Dorwick Ditch Improvements project in Northfield Center Township to enhance drainage and water quality in the Brandywine Creek and Cuyahoga River Watershed. Currently in the design phase, the project includes constructing a retention basin and bankfull wetland north of Marwyck Drive, creating another bankfull wetland along the channel south of Marwyck Drive, and improving the channel from north of Marwyck to Highland Road.
These enhancements aim to provide proper drainage, detention, stream bank stabilization, and other water quality improvements. The estimated construction cost is $1,960,000, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Bayberry Drainage Improvement Project
CONSTRUCTION PHASE | The Bayberry Drainage Improvement Project will begin immediately. This project is designed to reduce surface water issues and improve road conditions on Bayberry Road. This $900,000 project will take approximately 6 months to complete and includes installation of a new storm sewer system and new catch basins designed to prevent surface water from collecting on the roadway. Once completed, stormwater will be captured and conveyed beneath the road and discharged into the Marwyck Ditch, improving drainage and roadway conditions. The storm sewer will be completed first and will run along the south side of Bayberry from bend to bend. Also included in the project are new curbs and a complete re-paving of Bayberry Road.
This project is being performed in conjunction with the Summit County Engineer’s Office. Northfield Center Township has also secured a 50% matching state grant, which will help offset project costs.
Due to the scope of this work, residents should expect traffic delays and intermittent road and driveway closures. Tri-Mor Construction, the contractor awarded the project, will notify affected residents in advance of closures and will make every effort to minimize disruptions.