Canal Street Storm Sewer Repair Project

On Monday night Zanesvile City Council approved an emergency ordinance to bit out the Canal Street storm sewer repair project.

Last spring, a sinkhole developed between the canal and the Muskingum River. In order to permanently fix the damage, repairs need to be made to the storm pipe that runs underneath the canal.

"If that storm sewer does collapse, and continues to collapse where it is now, it could erode the embankment for the canal and a $225,000 dollar project could ultimately become a multi-million dollar project," said Public Service Director Mike Sims.

The sewer was installed in the early 1800’s and provides storm drainage for the southern end of downtown. Sims said by slip-lining the pipe, it won’t damage the integrity of the canal.

"It has the same characteristics as a PVC pipe once it hardens and has the same weight capacity and intensive strength and everything," said Sims.

He said the city has sufficient funds to support this project, which is expected to take around 10 days to complete. A contractor will be selected by the end of March.