VERMILION — Vermilion officials are moving forward with several road and infrastructure projects in 2026 while taking what Mayor Russ Owens described as a more measured, data-driven approach to long-term street repairs.
City Council has approved moving forward with projects on Highbridge Road and Jackson Street, while additional work on Haley Street is also expected to proceed as part of the city’s broader infrastructure plans.
At the same time, the city is holding off on wider paving decisions until a full assessment of Vermilion’s road conditions is complete.
Planned 2026 Projects
Current projects planned for 2026 include:
- Highbridge Road reconstruction
- Jackson Street stormwater improvements
- Haley Street infrastructure work
The projects include a mix of roadway reconstruction, widening and drainage improvements, with some supported through grant funding.
Highbridge Road
- Location: From the north side of the railroad bridge to approximately 200 feet north of Parkside Reserve Street
- Length: Approximately 900 feet
- Estimated Cost: To be determined
- Scope: Widening and replacement of the existing asphalt roadway, along with ditch and storm sewer improvements
- Funding Source: OPWC grant and local funding
Jackson Street
- Location: Entire length of Jackson Street
- Length: Approximately 1,800 feet
- Estimated Cost: To be determined
- Scope: Stormwater improvements and roadway resurfacing
- Funding Source: Local stormwater funds
Haley Street
- Location: Entire length of Haley Street
- Length: Approximately 900 feet
- Estimated Cost: To be determined
- Scope: Widening and replacement of the existing asphalt roadway, along with ditch and storm sewer improvements
- Funding Source: To be determined
Citywide Assessment Underway
Owens said the city is currently conducting a digital assessment of roadway conditions to help guide future investment decisions and prioritize repairs.
“The goal is to move toward a more data-driven, needs-based approach to road work,” Owens said.
According to Owens, the assessment is intended to help determine which roads require immediate repairs, which can continue to be maintained through patching and smaller maintenance projects, and which may require larger reconstruction or resurfacing efforts in the future.
“We are instituting systemic processes that will ensure we can deliver to our citizens a detailed plan of exactly what work needs to be done to either repair or replace our city’s streets,” Owens said. “Accurately assessing each of our streets is being conducted with the latest digital and AI technology.”
Owens said the city has also implemented a new street work tracking system documenting daily repairs completed by the street department, including locations, materials used, labor time and before-and-after photographs.
“This process will also be used to better maintain the new replacement surfacing of our roads,” Owens said.
Until the assessment is complete, the city plans to continue focusing on critical repairs and projects that can be supported through outside funding sources.
Additional Grant Funding Being Pursued
Owens said Vermilion is also exploring additional grant opportunities to expand future road work.
“As our city lies within two different counties, we have been working with the Erie and Lorain County commissioners to better identify and secure grants,” Owens said. “They know where the money is.”
Owens said the city’s digital roadway catalog could also help strengthen future grant applications by providing more detailed condition data.
“I am trying to implement a more business-like approach to solving our most difficult challenges,” Owens said.
What Residents Can Expect
While broader paving decisions are still being evaluated, residents can expect continued patching and targeted repairs in areas needing immediate attention.
Owens said the citywide street assessment is expected to take about two weeks to complete.
“The AI programming will rank the condition of each street,” Owens said.
Owens also said he plans to appoint a streets commission and a “streets czar” to help develop a long-term strategy based on roadway conditions, infrastructure needs and project costs.
“Our citizens need to know that solving our streets problems is my administration’s first and top priority,” Owens said. “Being responsive and accountable are the first steps in earning our citizens’ trust on how we allocate and spend their money.”