Natal and Rio de Janeiro adopt plans to level street manhole covers

The city of Natal (Brazil) approved Law No. 8,160, which makes it mandatory to level manhole covers, inspection boxes and drainage grates during road work. The regulation, published on 6 July, requires crews to adjust these elements to the final pavement height at the time of completion, aiming to eliminate steps, holes and protrusions that damage vehicles and pose risks to motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. Responsibility for compliance extends to contractors, concessionaires and property owners, with the municipality able to recover costs if public works must correct shortcomings.

Separately, Rio de Janeiro announced a R$ 3.4 million contract to level existing manhole covers across the city. The tender, to be published on 7 July, will fund the adjustment of cover heights identified through inspections by the Municipal Conservation Secretariat. Officials say the work will reduce vehicle wear, traffic noise and discomfort for residents. "Cuidar da cidade é cuidar do detalhe," said Secretary Diego Vaz, emphasizing the benefit of smoother streets for commuters.