TOLEDO, Ohio — City officials have announced plans for emergency repairs to address sinkholes along Arlington Avenue, which are threatening both the sanitary sewer system and residents’ properties. Initially slated for a full reconstruction in 2026, the repairs are now being expedited following an investigation that revealed the urgent need for action.
The city’s update indicates that emergency work will begin in 2025, starting with repairs to the sanitary sewer system. The move comes after the second significant sinkhole began to cause damage to the homes and front yards of residents, with one resident, Melissa Stevens, voicing her concerns.
“I don’t believe it, nobody on the block believes it. I’m afraid I am going to lose my house,” Stevens said in an interview with 13 Action News. Stevens added that the second sinkhole is now encroaching on her front yard and has already damaged her front steps.
In response to the growing danger, the city has taken immediate steps to protect residents and their vehicles. New barriers have been installed, and a no-parking zone has been designated around the affected area. The city has also initiated the bidding process for contractors to begin the repair work. The bidding is set to close on April 22, after which a contractor will be selected to move forward with the project.
The city has indicated that waterline repairs are expected to begin at the end of April, with the sanitary sewer work slated for May. Once the sewer and waterlines are replaced and repaired, full reconstruction of Arlington Avenue is planned for 2026.
However, residents are hoping that the repairs will be completed sooner to avoid further damage to their properties. Many, like Stevens, remain skeptical about the timeline, expressing concerns over the prolonged disruption to their lives and homes.
As the city moves forward with its plans, it is clear that Arlington Avenue residents are anxiously awaiting a resolution to the ongoing sinkhole issue, hoping that the repairs will bring much-needed relief in the near future.