The Rockcliff Drive Infrastructure Project is a comprehensive municipal improvement initiative in Rocky River, Ohio, designed to replace aging underground utilities and surface pavement. Scheduled for a construction window between late summer 2026 and fall 2027, the project features a full replacement of water mains, storm and sanitary sewers, and the roadway itself, alongside the addition of a new 8-foot-wide mixed-use path.
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio –
Comprehensive Utility and Roadway Reconstruction The Rockcliff Drive Infrastructure Project represents a significant investment by the City of Rocky River to modernize essential services. According to city officials, the scope of work includes the full replacement of the existing water main, storm sewers, and sanitary sewers. To ensure long-term stability and service reliability, the project also encompasses the installation of new service laterals to individual homes and the replacement of drive aprons. Once the underground work is completed, the street will undergo a total pavement replacement to improve local traffic flow and safety.
Enhanced Connectivity via the Rockcliff Drive Infrastructure Project Path A key feature of the Rockcliff Drive Infrastructure Project is the expansion of the city’s non-motorized transportation network. The city plans to install an 8-foot-wide mixed-use path along the north side of Rockcliff Drive. This new infrastructure is designed to connect the residential neighborhood directly to the Cleveland Metroparks trail system, fostering better community connectivity and recreational access for Northeast Ohio residents.
Addressing Sewer Performance and Inflow Reduction In addition to physical construction, the project incorporates data from the Private Property Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Reduction Program. Recent testing conducted on Rockcliff Drive aims to identify sources of clean water entering the sanitary sewer system, which can lead to backups and system inefficiencies. During a public meeting scheduled for March 31, 2026, at the Don Umerley Civic Center, representatives from the City Administration, consulting engineers, and AECOM will provide individual property results to homeowners. Local contractors have also been invited to consult with residents on necessary private-side sewer repairs to ensure the overall success of the system upgrades.
Construction Timeline and Resident Impact Residents should prepare for significant activity starting in late summer 2026. The City of Rocky River anticipates that construction will continue through the fall of 2027. During this period, temporary water services will be established to maintain utility access, and modified traffic patterns will be implemented. The city emphasizes that these surface and subsurface improvements are vital for the long-term health of Rocky River’s infrastructure and the prevention of future drainage issues.