Roadway & Trench Restoration in NYC

When a utility or plumbing line is opened in the roadway, the cut has to be restored to DOT standard. A restoration that fails gets written up the same way a sidewalk does.

Putting the street back after it has been opened

• Trench backfilled and compacted in layers rather than in one lift
• Restoration built to the DOT specification for that street
• Asphalt or concrete finished flush with the surrounding surface
• Markings and any street hardware reinstated
• Permit and inspection handled end to end

The cost that catches people out is the second one

Restoration prices by the size of the opening and by what the street is made of. The cost that catches people out is the second one: a restoration that settles has to be dug up and done again, at full price.

Compacted in layers, built up in courses

1. Opening squared up. Ragged edges are cut back to clean lines so the patch bonds to sound material.
2. Backfilled in layers. Compacted in lifts, not dumped in one go. This is the whole reason trench patches sink.
3. Base course then surface. Built up the way the street was built, not filled to the top with one material.
4. Finished flush and marked. Level with the surrounding surface, with any markings and hardware reinstated.

What contractors and owners ask about trench work

Work that follows a street opening

• Curbs & Edging Concrete curb · Reset or replace · Curb line to code
• Vaulted Sidewalk Repair Steel beams · Waterproof membrane · DOB inspected
• Driveway Aprons Vehicle-rated depth · Curb cut tie-in
• Sidewalk Replacement Full flag removal · DOT thickness · Sub-base re-graded