Blast-resistant covers for downtown Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — Utility crews are installing about 100 new manhole covers in downtown Indianapolis that are designed to reduce the extent of damage from underground explosions and fires.

The work follows at least six underground electrical explosions in the city's downtown over the past two years. One of those blasts happened near windows to the governor's Statehouse office, with others damaging cars and sending manhole covers flying.

The Indianapolis Star reports the new covers are being installed near Lucas Oil Stadium and around locations for activities tied to February's Super Bowl. Indianapolis Power and Light has more than 1,200 manholes in the downtown area.

IPL engineer Mike Holtsclaw tells WTHR that the new covers lock into place and are designed to lift about 3 inches in event of an explosion.