Toledo commuters face another check on Arlington Avenue sinkhole repairs

Toledo’s Arlington Avenue sewer-collapse project has reached another construction checkpoint, but commuters, residents and nearby businesses should expect the closure and traffic restrictions to continue for years.

The city says crews will continue installing replacement sewer pipe through mid-August. Phase I of the sewer work is projected to be complete in late September, and the next major sewer-replacement phase is anticipated to begin in fall 2026.

Arlington remains closed through the work zone

Arlington Avenue remains closed to through traffic between Detroit Avenue and Woodsdale. The city says traffic restrictions will continue through 2028 as sewer replacement and street reconstruction move through different sections of the corridor.

The project grew out of two sinkholes that appeared on Arlington near Francis Avenue in October 2024. During subsequent investigation, city crews found that a 48-inch sanitary sewer had collapsed underground and could not be repaired in place.

The work is being completed in phases. Kokosing is handling the sewer replacement between Francis and National, while street reconstruction has been staged separately. The city also plans a later sewer-replacement phase from Francis to Detroit, followed by additional street reconstruction in that section.

What the current schedule means

The mid-August pipe-installation milestone does not mark the end of the overall project. The city’s project update lists additional work including filling the pit at Atlantic Avenue, installing new manholes and tying into the new sewer line.

Toledo anticipates completing the current Phase I sewer work in late September. The city’s July 10 update also says Phase II will begin in fall 2026. Both dates are projections and could change because of weather, field conditions or other construction issues.

Bypass pumping will remain in place between Detroit and Atlantic Avenue to prepare for the next phase. During full closures, the city says residents should place garbage and recycling bins at the nearest cross street for pickup. Concerns about collection, flooding or sewer backups can be reported to Engage Toledo.

Odor complaints prompted air monitoring

Residents and drivers have reported strong odors near the construction site. 13 Action News reported that Toledo’s Environmental Services department conducted air monitoring on July 1 after complaints about the smell.

The monitoring covered oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds and the lower explosive limit, which includes methane. The city reported zero readings for all monitored gases other than oxygen, and said oxygen levels were normal.

Those results apply to the gases tested during that monitoring event. They do not mean odor complaints have ended or establish that every possible odor-related concern has been eliminated.

Additional financing approved

Toledo City Council approved an ordinance authorizing up to $2 million in supplemental loan financing for additional repairs to the Arlington sewer failure. The ordinance says spring weather made additional pumping necessary and increased project costs. It also authorizes the mayor to amend the existing contract with Kokosing Construction Company.

The authorization is supplemental loan authority, not a final statement of the project’s total cost.

What residents should do now

Drivers should continue avoiding Arlington between Detroit and Woodsdale and allow extra time for detours. Residents who experience basement flooding or sewer backups, or who see an overflowing manhole, should contact Engage Toledo at 419-936-2020. The city lists the number as available 24 hours a day.

For commuters, the immediate milestone is continued pipe installation through mid-August—not completion of the overall project. The next major checkpoints are the projected late-September completion of Phase I and the anticipated fall 2026 start of the Francis-to-Detroit sewer work.

Sources

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