Abstract: A roadway access device such as manhole cover, a storm drain, or a utility valve box which facilitates road paving and grinding operations. The access device includes a riser assembly having an inverted frustoconical top portion that minimizes frictional engagement between the riser and the paved surface and permits repositioning in an elevated plane with no excavation necessary. There is a tapered upper portion that engages with an internally threaded extension nut with tool-engaging receptors and when the nut extension is rotated, the upper conical portion does not rotate, but displaces vertically. There is a riser member that is externally threaded and fixed in position relative to the rest of the assembly around which the extension nut rotates in order to vertically displace the access device. Additionally, there are separate removable lids constructed of high strength material which can be put in place during paving and grinding operations and easily removed when operations are complete.

Abstract: A telescopic manhole or storm drain installation includes a riser assembly provided with an upper section and adjacent lower section the former of which comprises a side wall defining an inverted frustoconical configuration while the latter provides a vertically disposed member having external threads cooperating with a stationary threaded collar. To prepare for resurfacing of a roadway or the like, no excavation about the riser is required prior to its elevation by use of a tool which engages mating receptors located within the interior of the riser. Rotation of the tool rotates the riser assembly within the threads of the collar until the new, elevated plane is achieved. The effort required to displace the riser is minimial due to the movement of its outer surface away from any grouting or roadway base previously abutting the riser. Risers with non-circular upper sections and lids are accommodated by forming the riser of separate upper and lower sections having a sliding joint structure therebetween.