Authorities pledge fewer manhole covers, smoother roads under new coordination plan

[Photo: Renato Marques]

Authorities are stepping up efforts to reduce the number of manhole covers on roadways and improve driving conditions, following concerns raised by a local lawmaker over road safety and engineering coordination.

In response to a written inquiry from lawmaker Lam Lon Wai on optimizing roadwork management, Transport Bureau (DSAT) director Chiang Ngoc Vai confirmed that the Roadwork Coordination Taskforce now requires government departments and public utility agencies to submit annual roadwork plans by the end of each year. The taskforce is responsible for prioritizing and coordinating these projects by zone and segment.

According to Chiang, the group is holding regular meetings to strengthen information sharing among public agencies, utilities, and private companies. Measures such as consolidated construction, pre-installation of utility lines, and shortened construction periods are being implemented to reduce repeated excavations and minimize traffic disruptions.

Focus on manhole covers

A key focus is the management of manhole covers. Chiang noted that the taskforce now requires all roadwork projects to review the number and location of manhole covers within proposed construction zones during the preliminary planning stage. Where technically feasible, the group will consolidate or remove covers to improve driving conditions.

The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) added that manhole covers on roadways are typically made of durable cast iron with textured, anti-slip surfaces. Since 2024, the bureau has leveled more than 300 manhole covers that had significant height differences with the road surface.

Road surface and drainage challenges

IAM also explained that while durable concrete is now the standard road surface material, heavy traffic, frequent use, and aging drainage systems continue to cause varying levels of damage. To minimize traffic disruption, the bureau currently relies on partial patching for road maintenance.

The bureau said it continuously monitors road conditions across the city and coordinates with DSAT and other stakeholders to carry out road optimization works in a timely manner, balancing the need to reduce repeated digging with road safety.

New construction standards

The Public Works Bureau (DSOP) confirmed that all new road construction projects under its authority now include specific requirements during the design, supervision, and final acceptance stages. These measures are intended to prevent manhole cover movement and ensure a flush fit with the road surface.

DSOP added that it is also reducing the number of manhole covers under new general provisions for water supply and drainage that have already taken effect. Moving forward, the bureau said it will continue to explore alternative materials and designs to further improve road safety.