Public Works Department
The Public Works Department (email here) is responsible for the maintenance, planning, and administration of the City's infrastructure. This infrastructure includes city roadways, waterlines, sewers, curbs, and sidewalks. Other responsibilities of the department include stormwater and floodplain management.
General Services, Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, and the Zoning Department all fall under the jurisdiction of Public Works.
PRESS RELEASE
PID 120248
HUR-Norwalk SRTS 2026
City of Norwalk
Proposed Improvements: The City of Norwalk proposes to install RRFB (rectangular rapid flashing beacon), crosswalk marking enhancements, signage, and curb ramp replacements. Construction is currently anticipated in 2026.
Project Location: The proposed project includes the installation of RRFB (rectangular rapid flashing beacon), crosswalk marking enhancements, signage, and curb ramp replacements at the intersections of Benedict Ave. and Christine Ave., Christie Ave. and Norwood Ave., and a mid-blocking crossing on Christie Ave. at the entrance to the Norwalk Middle School.
During construction, which is expected to last approximately two weeks, traffic will be maintained.
As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the City is seeking comments from the public about the social, environmental, and economic impacts of the proposed project. Environmental impacts include those associated with historical, archeological and ecological resources, hazardous materials and general concerns people might have with the project. Written comments concerning the project may be mailed to Aaron Osborn at the address below or email at publicworksdirector@norwalkoh.com . Any comments must be received by April 14, 2025.
The project will be funded using Federal funds.
For further information, Contact:
The City of Norwalk
38 Whittlesey Avenue
Norwalk, Ohio 44857
Attn: Public Works
Phone: (419)-663-6735
PRESS RELEASE
PID 118963
HUR-61-17.63 (West Main Street) Phase II
City of Norwalk
Proposed Improvements: The City of Norwalk proposes to construct West Main Street Phase II roadway improvements as part of an Ohio Department of Transportation Small City Grant Funds project. Construction is currently anticipated in 2026.
Project Location: The proposed State Route 61 (West Main Street) Phase II roadway improvements are approximately 1,700 feet in length beginning east of Valley Park Drive and extending east of North West Street/South West Street. The roadway improvements will utilize the existing roadway corridor. The existing pavement will be completely removed and replaced with full depth asphalt concrete.
The improvements include: Construction of a 35 foot wide asphalt concrete pavement including drainage improvements; segments of sidewalk; erosion control; traffic control including cross walks, signage, a new traffic signal at the intersection of North West and South West Street, and two left hand turn lanes. The proposed improvements are planned inside the existing right of way. Utility work may be required. Personal property items inside the existing right of way may be needed to be relocated.
During construction, which is expected to last nine (9) months, State Route 61 (West Main Street) will need to be closed to through traffic within the project limits. Local traffic and emergency vehicle traffic will be maintained.
As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the City is seeking comments from the public about the social, environmental, and economic impacts of the proposed project. Environmental impacts include those associated with historical, archeological and ecological resources, hazardous materials and general concerns people might have with the project. Written comments concerning the project may be mailed to Aaron Osborn at the address below or email at publicworksdirector@norwalkoh.com . Any comments must be received by April 14, 2025.
The project will be funded in part using Federal, State and Local funds.
For further information, Contact:
City of Norwalk
38 Whittlesey Avenue
Norwalk, Ohio 44857
Attn: Public Works
Phone: (419)-663-6735
Annual Projects
Sidewalk Program
Maintaining sidewalks is an essential part of city infrastructure for transportation, recreation, safety, and aesthetic purposes. Maintenance of sidewalks is the responsibility of the owner of the property abutting the sidewalk. Approximately one mile of walks are upgraded each year with this program.
The City is divided into quadrants, with a different quadrant addressed each year for repair and/or replacement of hazardous sidewalks. Sidewalks within that quadrant are inspected and marked for repair/replacement as necessary. Property owners are notified by certified mail of any necessary repairs. Owners are given the option of having the repairs made themselves or reimbursing the City (via tax assessments) for making the repairs.
Street Resurfacing & Concrete Repair Program
A list of streets that need repair is created based upon annual inspections combined with an independent third party scoring all streets. The funding for this comes from a one-quarter percent income tax which generates $300,000 worth of resurfacing annually. A typical year will see 10 to 15 streets resurfaced.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project
The City applies for this grant every year, selecting a project that meets CDBG requirements. Federal funding is supplemented with local funds. Currently the City is committed to multiple phases of a sewer separation project in the Wooster/Marshall Street area.
Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Project
This yearly project takes place on a major route and ranges from $400,000 to $600,000 in cost. Examples of past CDBG projects include four phases of Cline Street and five phases of E. Main Street. In ADDITION to this state funding, the City supplements these projects with local funds.
Home Repair
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) administers the Community Housing Impact & Preservation (CHIP) Home Repair program on behalf of Huron County and the City of Norwalk. CHIP provides home repair assistance for a variety of needs, including furnace replacements; water heater replacements; roof replacements; electrical upgrades; plumbing upgrades and ADA modifications. For more details on how to apply visit: www.glcap.org/homerepair
Current Road Construction
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City of Norwalk Engineering Standards
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Right-of-Way Construction Permit Application
Floodplain Management
Floodplain management means the operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage, including but not limited to emergency preparedness plans, flood control works, and floodplain management regulations.
Flood damage can be significantly reduced when development is not placed in harm’s way or is appropriately protected from flood hazards. Properly managed floodplains can increase property values and expand recreational opportunities, while reducing direct and indirect costs associated with flood hazards, erosion, and stormwater; improving groundwater recharge and water quality; and providing valuable wildlife habitat.
If you are in a floodplain and plan on filling or building, please contact the Public Works Department at (419) 663-6735.
To determine if your property is within a floodplain, go to http://msc.fema.gov/portal and type in your address.
What is a Floodplain?
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Norwalk Creek Maintenance For Homeowners
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FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
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Stormwater Management
Definition:
A storm water utility, like other utilities, provides a service to the public, supported by charging fees to its customers. Stormwater utility fees operate and maintain the existing system and may be able to finance capital improvements. User charges provide a consistent, predictable, long-term revenue source.
What the Utility Pays For:
Items addressed in the storm water management plan (effectively "unfunded mandates") include:
• Inspection
• Mapping
• Infrastructure Projects
• Maintenance of Existing System
- pipes, catch basins, manholdes, detention ponds, outfalls, headwalls, culverts, bridges
More specifically, this fund will go toward reducing infiltration in the existing storm sewers and create separate sewers for areas that are still combined. By doing this, basement floodings and backups can be reduced.
Environmental Concerns
Illicit Discharge Information