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MassDOT Steps Up Inspections Of Manhole Covers

SAUGUS (CBS) - State transportation officials say a manhole cover was reported loose on Route 1 in Saugus Wednesday morning. According to MassDOT, it was the result of road work in the area.

The subcontractor doing the work has been suspended, and the cover has been welded.

The incident resurrects concerns about manhole cover safety, which has been top of mind since 35-year-old Caitlin Clavette was killed on the Expressway in February. A Boston Sewer cover flew through her car windshield.

Transportation officials say they have stepped up inspections and according to a statement from Highway Administrator Tom Tinlin, "…will throughout the course of regularly scheduled replacements, maintenance, and/or construction, install bolted down manhole covers in high speed travel lanes."

Limo driver Howard Kaufman says he hit a manhole cover in Wayland last week. "All of a sudden I hear a clunk and the engine stopped," he said.

When he got out of the car, he found "gasoline pouring all over the place."

Police told him the metal cover had hit his limo's gas tank. He says the state's plan to bolt down some manholes is a good idea, but he says cities and towns should do the same.

Until then, "I try not to go over manholes anymore."

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