How to specify the right access cover

a practical guide for infrastructure projects

Access covers are often the final visible component in a complex underground infrastructure system.

Despite their unobtrusive presence, the right access cover plays a critical role in long-term safety, performance, and maintenance. Selecting the wrong cover type can compromise a system’s function, increase lifecycle costs, and pose safety risks.

Whether you’re working on a highways project, rail platform, utility network, or public realm scheme, understanding the key access cover types and their appropriate applications is essential.

Key factors to consider in access cover specification

1. Load rating

Covers must withstand the expected traffic and operational load. Ratings range from light pedestrian use (A15) up to heavy-duty industrial loading (D400+).
2. Material selection

Materials impact cover weight, strength, corrosion resistance, and radio wave permeability.
3. Environmental conditions

Consider exposure to moisture, UV radiation, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical contaminants.
4. Site integration

For urban, landscaped, or paved areas, aesthetics matter. Recessed and paving-compatible designs help covers blend into the environment.
5. Access requirements

How frequently will the cover be accessed? Does it need to allow telemetry signals to pass through? Will multiple covers need to work in combination?

Access cover types explained

1. Composite access covers

Constructed from lightweight but durable GRP
Ideal for telecoms cabinets, rail platforms, traffic signal, and large chambers requiring ease of access
Allows telemetry and radio signals to pass through
Easily lifted without specialist equipment

Best for: Sites requiring regular access to equipment or data, and where speed and signal permeability are priorities.

2. Concrete infill access covers

Used extensively in telecoms and utilities
Suitable for pavements and fibre rollout zones
Offers a strong, durable finish with excellent slip resistance
Can be combined in multiples for larger chambers

Best for: Pedestrian areas with high footfall and outdoor exposure.

3. Recessed access covers

Designed to be filled with matching paving or surface finish
Discreet and aesthetically integrated into surroundings
Maintains a desired appearance without hindering access to vital utilities
Popular in high streets, market areas, and landscaped public zones

Best for: Urban realm and public-facing infrastructure projects where aesthetics are important.

4. Ductile iron access covers

Heavy-duty, high-strength solution for industrial applications
Handles heavy vehicles including HGVs and aircraft
Long-lasting and capable of withstanding intense loading

Best for: Roads, motorways, ports, factories, airports, and other high-load environments.

Making the right choice: a summary

To choose the right access cover, align performance demands with site conditions. Use this simplified decision guide:

‣ Lightweight, frequent access? The composite cover is (usually) the go-to.

‣ Paved area with aesthetic needs? The recessed cover is (usually) the go-to.

‣ High load or industrial use? The ductile iron cover is (usually) the go-to.

‣ General utility or telecoms trench? The concrete infill cover is (usually) the go-to.

The above is a quick-hand access cover specification guidebook only, and each site and project will have custom considerations. Our technical team can support specification decisions from early-stage planning through to installation.