So many manholes, so little time

Three ways to raise assets to grade as quickly, economically, and permanently as possible.

6 MIN READ
By

keithv@cityofcody.com

Next page: 100% RECYCLED RUBBER EASY-RISER

100% RECYCLED RUBBER EASY-RISER

Concept: Instead of raising the manhole frame to the level of new pavement, this two-piece rubber mat goes on top of the existing cover to substitute for the overlay at the manhole. Fits manholes up to 26 inches in diameter; withstands temperatures up to 500° F.
How it works: A cut-and-paste job that’s like making and placing a two-piece puzzle. Cut the material to fit, position with the company’s double-sided adhesive tape, and pave (after telling the operator to raise the paver slightly at manholes to avoid grabbing the mat’s edge and moving it). The pressure bonds the mat around the cover to the pavement while leaving, as Fast Company magazine described in 2010, a removable “inner piece held in place by a tongue-in-groove/reverse bevel system.” Pry up with crow bar or screwdriver to access manhole below.
Point of distinction: Only “no-leak” riser; can be recycled with asphalt
Required tools: Utility knife, leaf blower, marking crayon, acetone, rags, rasp, pry bar or large screw driver, Easy-Bond double-sided adhesive sealant tape; if necessary, ½-inch Easy-Shims to raise the 1½- or 2-inch mat to overlay level
Price range: $119 to $148 each
Ordering/availability: Direct from manufacturer (see website for contact information); usually ships within two days
Manufacturer: Utility Cover Systems LLC; New Hartford, N.Y., www.utilitycoversystems.com
Customer:
Ray Tourt, Public Works Director
City of Batavia, N.Y.

About the Author

Stephanie Johnston

As editor in chief, Stephanie Johnston oversees Public Works’ print magazine, website, e-newsletters, and digital initiatives. Before joining the staff 10 years ago, she worked on publications owned by the American Bar Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, and agriculture-industry publisher Century Communications. In 2015, she became editor of Concrete Construction sister publication Concrete Surfaces. She has a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and lives in a Chicago suburb. E-mail sjohnston@hanleywood.com or follow her on Twitter at @StephanieatPW.

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