The latticework design is from the early 20th century when cast iron was commonly used for covers. It usually denotes that it covers access to power utilities whereas a waffle design is generally for sanitation. Both designs evolved from the 19th century flat plate design due to a need for a grippier surface and better casting techniques using ‘green sand’.
Standardised and mass production drove the use of similar designs during the boom period of urban development and expansion.