Tunnel boring machine Elaine reaches finish line in Northside Interceptor project
AKRON, Ohio (UI) — The City of Akron has reached a major milestone in its decades-long sewer system overhaul with the completion of the Northside Interceptor Tunnel (NSIT), a key component of its federal consent decree with the U.S. and Ohio Environmental Protection Agencies.
After seven months of drilling, the tunnel boring machine known as Elaine broke through more than 100 feet below the city’s North Hill neighborhood, completing her 6,600-foot (1.25-mile) journey beneath Riverside Drive. The 16.5-foot-diameter tunnel can store up to 10.3 million gallons of combined sewage during heavy rainfall before treatment at the city’s Water Reclamation Facility.
“The city’s first tunnel, the OCIT, has had significant positive impacts to both our waterways and our residents,” said Mayor Malik. “During heavy rain events, we are able to keep 467 million gallons of combined sewer overflow out of our waterways. With the addition of the NSIT, we will be able to capture and treat 99.7% of combined sewer overflow events in a typical year. This is an outstanding achievement and one we are incredibly proud of.”
The NSIT is expected to enter service by the end of 2026, marking one of the final projects required under the consent decree. Originally designed as a 20-foot tunnel spanning 10,000 feet and capable of holding 23 million gallons, the city re-scoped the project in 2023 with EPA approval, reducing cost to ratepayers by $40 million while maintaining similar environmental benefits.
The TBM was named Elaine in honor of environmental advocate Elaine Marsh, recognized for her work in restoring the Cuyahoga River and promoting waterway renewal across Northeast Ohio.
Crews will now complete final connections and shaft construction before bringing the system fully online. When operational, the tunnel will help Akron capture and treat nearly all combined sewer overflow in a typical year, furthering its goal of a cleaner, healthier Cuyahoga River.
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