When all is working smoothly, underground utilities operate largely undetected by the community. Manholes and other utility covers offer the only visible reminder of these and other critical systems, and most people don’t give them a second thought until they drive over a bad one.
Utility managers are constantly balancing high public expectations (and low awareness of what is involved) with the need to be as cost-effective as possible, while also meeting sustainability goals. Manholes are a potential weak link — and added cost — in all of these areas.
The most obvious, direct costs associated with poorly installed manholes and other
