Amid frequent manhole accidents caused by localized heavy rains, Yangcheon-gu in Seoul has implemented a proactive safety measure by expanding manhole fall prevention facilities and repairing faulty manholes.
During heavy rains, increased sewer pressure can dislodge manhole covers, leading to incidents where pedestrians or vehicles fall or accidents occur. These incidents are particularly recurrent in areas vulnerable to flooding, but there is still a lack of nationwide response systems.
As a solution to this issue, Yangcheon-gu has expanded manhole fall prevention facilities and established a comprehensive maintenance system through a complete survey. The fall prevention facility involves installing a metal mesh structure beneath the manhole cover, designed to prevent people from falling even if the cover is opened.
Since 2022, Yangcheon-gu has installed these facilities in 519 locations, primarily in low-lying areas prone to flooding. This year, an additional 53 locations will be equipped with the facilities before the rainy season. The selected sites are ones where there was a high possibility of manhole cover dislodgment during past rainfall events.
Moreover, starting last month, the district conducted a full survey of 20,733 work zones under its management, focusing on four main inspection items: differential levels, road damage around covers, dislodgement or damage of covers, and noise or vibration issues. Based on the survey results, 67 places with identified subsidence or damage were selected for repairs, which are scheduled to be completed by next month.
Yangcheon-gu Mayor Lee Gi-jae stated, “Neglecting faulty manholes can lead to major accidents. We will create a safe urban environment through continuous maintenance and systematic management.”
This case in Yangcheon-gu is evaluated as a model that goes beyond simple response to civil complaints, combining systematic preventive inspections and physical facility improvements. The introduction of a practical infrastructure inspection system at the municipal level can serve as a reference for other local governments.
