Project overview
The Haverhill–Methuen Bridge Replacements Project will reconstruct multiple aging bridges along a 1.5-mile section of I-495 in Methuen and Haverhill. The existing bridges were built in the 1960s. They remain safe but are nearing the end of their service life and must be replaced.
This work will improve safety, reduce long-term maintenance needs, and enhance traffic operations along one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors.
Project location map
Project scope
The project includes:
I-495 bridges
- Replace I-495 northbound and southbound bridges over Route 110/Merrimack Street and the Merrimack River
- Construct a noise wall along I-495 northbound
Industrial Avenue bridges
- Replace separate Industrial Avenue bridges (eastbound and westbound) over I-495 with a single widened structure
- Reconstruct approaches to the Industrial Avenue bridges
- Relocate and improve overhead utilities along Industrial Ave
Route 110/Merrimack Street
- Mill and pave portions of Route 110/Merrimack Street in Methuen
- Increase vertical clearance along Route 110/Merrimack Street
- Relocate and improve utilities along Route 110/Merrimack Street
Project benefits
The project will provide:
- Safer travel on I-495 and Industrial Avenue
- Modern bridges that reduce future inspection and maintenance needs
- New Merrimack River bridges with fewer piers in the water, lessening impacts to the river’s ecosystem
- Noise barriers that reduce highway noise for nearby residents
Traffic maintenance
MassDOT will maintain traffic throughout construction using staged construction:
I-495
- Three travel lanes will be maintained throughout all stages of construction, during peak periods of travel
Industrial Avenue
- Two travel lanes in each direction will remain open throughout construction
Temporary lane shifts, short-term lane drops, rolling roadblocks, and detours may be used during off-peak hours to safely complete work. Advisories and advanced warning signs will be used prior to all traffic impacts.
View of the recently replaced I-495 bridge in Haverhill, one mile north of the current project area. The Haverhill–Methuen replacements will be built to similar standards.
Construction schedule
Phase 1: Summer 2025 – Summer 2026
- Clearing and grubbing in the median to prepare for work
- Begin trestle construction in the Merrimack River to support bridge work
- Construct temporary crossovers to shift I-495 traffic
- Begin construction of the new southbound (median) bridge over the Merrimack River
- Utility relocations and preparatory roadway work on Route 110/Merrimack Street and Industrial Avenue
Phase 2: Summer 2026 – Spring 2028
- Shift northbound traffic onto the newly built southbound (median) bridge
- Demolish the existing northbound bridge
- Construct the new northbound bridge in its original footprint
- Begin noise barrier installation along the northbound side
Phase 3: Summer 2028 – Winter 2029
- Shift southbound traffic onto the new northbound bridge
- Demolish the existing southbound bridge
- Construct the second half of the new southbound bridge
- Complete drainage work and roadway realignment on the southbound side
Phase 4: Winter 2029 – Spring 2030
- Remove temporary crossovers and restore the median
- Final paving, striping, and installation of permanent signage
- Complete wetland replication and other environmental restoration activities
- Final project cleanup and demobilization
Mitigation of impacts
- Environmental Protections: Work will follow time-of-year restrictions for in-water construction to protect the Merrimack River
- Permits have been coordinated with MassDEP, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA Fisheries, and the U.S. Coast Guard
- Wildlife Monitoring: Time of year work restrictions and onsite monitoring of the local sturgeon population will ensure no adverse impacts
- Restoration and mitigation of Environmental Resource areas
- Noise Control: A noise monitoring plan will be implemented
Stay informed:
To receive project updates, special advisories, and notice of public information meetings, we invite you to:
- Sign up for project updates through our e-list.
- Attend public meetings: Notices of upcoming public information sessions will be distributed through the e-list and posted on MassDOT’s website.