Several Boston Highway Lanes To Be Shut Down For Manhole Cover Inspections

BOSTON (CBS) – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will inspect more than 500 manhole covers, grates, and covers for electrical panels after a metal manhole cover flew up, hit a car and killed a driver on Interstate 93 near the exit of the O'Neill Tunnel during the morning rush hour.

It is still not known what caused the 200-pound manhole cover to come loose and become airborne.

MassDOT Administrator Thomas Tinlin said his crews and welders will examine all travel lane highway infrastructure in Boston this afternoon and this evening to make sure the covers and grates are secure.

In order to do this, several lanes of traffic were shut down.

"If crews discover hardware which is not determined to be secure, the hardware will be tacked and welded immediately," Tinlin said in a statement.

What inspectors find will determine if their investigation expands to stretches of highway outside of the city.

"The equipment involved in the incident covers a storm drainage system and was last inspected June 12, 2014, and there is no indication the manhole has been removed recently for any necessary work," Tinlin said.

The transportation department says it inspects manhole covers and grates in the tunnel system every two years.

"MassDOT prides itself in putting the safety of drivers as its first priority and if steps are needed to be taken following inspections this afternoon to further ensure the safety of the public then steps will be taken," Tinlin said.