Gaping sidewalk holes

Within the last 2 weeks, hubby and I have noticed some work being done throughout the neighborhood, with a particular focus on the sidewalks. It has grown increasingly more obtrusive, as we now how to leap over the giant gaping holes in the sidewalk while on our morning walks with Paxton the dog. (I will admit though that Paxton has thoroughly enjoyed going potty on the newly shoveled piles of dirt and concrete.)
We can’t quite figure out what the purpose of the construction is. It seems the construction team has created about 4 or 5 sets (within a half mile stretch of sidewalk) of square holes. In front of each hole is a new ramp.
I first thought maybe they were new driveways. But there is no space for new houses behind them. Then we thought, maybe they are planning fire hydrants. But the gaping holes have been placed in close proximity to already existing fire hydrants. Perhaps maybe they are sewage grates or maybe they will help route runoff water.
Obviously, since there is more than one point of construction, the focus is not on one particular problem spot. Instead the work appears to be a more general upgrade of sorts.
Either way, in an economy such as this, we are a little turned off by the seemingly unnecessary allocation of funds. Hopefully in the near future we will discover the purpose of this project and how it will improve the quality of life in our neighborhood. (And yes, we do have a neighborhood association, though it is very inactive and will be 100% as clueless as us.)