New manhole inserts aren’t normally notable or a cause for celebration, but they are in several Alexandria neighborhoods where they could help prevent flooding.
The City of Alexandria announced today that it will be installing 870 stainless steel manhole covers in the Four Mile Run, Commonwealth and Taylor Run sewer sheds.
“These inserts will help prevent stormwater runoff from entering sanitary sewer manholes during wet weather,” the city said in a release.
The release said the inserts sit on top of the manhole, directly underneath the cover, and have holes that slowly drain accumulated stormwater into the sewer after the storm ends.
“Manhole inserts are one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce inflow into the sanitary sewer system,” the release said. “Inflow into sanitary sewers can overwhelm the capacity of the sewer system, which can lead to sewer backups in basements.”
The installations started in February and will continue through the end of June.
