A roadway box, also called a surface box or valve box, is made for underground NRS (non-rising stem) gate valves on fire water mains. It is a heavy-duty, protective access point at street level.
It shields the extension spindle connected to the valve below, so municipal or fire protection workers can open and close the valve from the surface. A secure cover protects the underground fire water infrastructure from damage and unauthorised access, and makes inspection and repair of the pipeline easier.
Roadway boxes are an essential part of fire water infrastructure in towns and industrial facilities.
See also NRS gate valves and fire hydrants.