Summit County is launching construction of its ambitious Summit Connects fiber network project in Northfield Center Township beginning the week of August 3. The county-funded initiative will create a 130-mile high-speed fiber network connecting all 31 communities throughout Summit County.
Project Overview
The Summit Connects project represents a significant infrastructure investment designed to improve public safety communications and government services across the region. However, officials emphasize the network will not provide internet service to homes or businesses at this time.
Peterson Excavating will perform the construction work under management by the Development Finance Authority, with Summit County providing complete funding for the initiative.
Construction Details
Work in Northfield Center will begin near the western border of State Route 82, close to Sagamore Hills, and primarily follow Olde 8 Road past the municipal building. Construction will continue into Boston Heights as part of the broader network expansion.
A Point of Presence, serving as a key hub where fiber connects into the larger network, will be installed on East Highland Road. This critical infrastructure component will help facilitate connections throughout the regional network.
The construction process will primarily involve underground directional boring of 2-inch conduits, though some overhead aerial cable installation will occur in certain areas. No township-owned utilities are expected to interfere with the work, and coordination with ODOT’s State Route 82 repaving project has been completed with no anticipated conflicts.
Traffic and Safety Measures
Contractors will place yard signs one week before work begins in each area and remove them after restoration is complete. Traffic control and safety protocols will follow a comprehensive Maintenance of Traffic plan with third-party oversight to ensure public safety.
Equipment parking overnight is permitted in designated areas, with the fire station lot potentially used for staging purposes. Coordination with emergency services and school traffic patterns has been prioritized to minimize disruptions.
Restoration Timeline
Restoration work is expected to be completed within seven to ten days after construction finishes in each area, following ODOT specifications. The county has implemented digital monitoring of restoration progress, with completion tied to contractor payments to ensure timely and quality work.
Public Information
Residents can stay informed about the project through the Summit Connects website or by contacting summitconnects@summitoh.net for maps, timelines, and frequently asked questions. The county will also distribute door hangers, palm cards, and signage with project details to keep residents updated on construction progress.
The Summit Connects initiative represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Summit County’s recent history, positioning the region for enhanced emergency communications and improved government services across all 31 communities.
