Traffic and construction updates - Haverhill-Methuen bridge replacements

Overview of construction operations and impacts for the Haverhill-Methuen bridge replacements project.

Construction updates and traffic impacts for the Haverhill-Methuen Bridge Replacements project will be posted as they become available.

Advisories

Construction look-ahead: November 16 – November 22, 2025

This is a brief overview of construction operations and impacts for the Haverhill-Methuen Bridge Replacements Project. MassDOT will provide additional advisories as needed for high-impact work and changes to traffic configurations beyond those described below.

Current construction status

Stage 1 construction began in October 2025. Stage 1 construction will entail clearing and grubbing operations and trestle construction in the Merrimack River to support bridge work. Please refer to the construction schedule for more details.

Operations

Scheduled highway work in preparation for Stage 1 temporary traffic controls, including rumble strip eradication and line striping. 

Travel impacts

Over the next week, drivers should anticipate nightly lane closures within the work zones listed below.

I-495 northbound and southbound bridges

Work within the project area will entail:

• Single and double lane closures each night from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. from Monday, November 17 to Thursday, November 20 within the area of Exit 105 to Exit 106.

Industrial Avenue overpasses

Work within the project area will entail:

• Closure of the I-495 Southbound Exit 106 off-ramp from 9:00 p.m. and reopened at 5:00 a.m. the following morning on Monday, November 17. Traffic bound for Exit 106/ Industrial Avenue will be detoured south to Exit 104, Route 110/ Merrimack Street. Drivers will take a left at the intersection on the top of the ramp and follow signage to the I-495 Northbound on-ramp on the right. Travelers will continue on I-495 Northbound until Exit 106 Industrial Avenue Eastbound off-ramp.
• Closure of the I-495 Southbound Exit 106 on-ramp from 9:00 p.m. and reopened at 5:00 a.m. the following morning, starting Monday, November 17 through Thursday, November 20. Traffic bound for I-495 Southbound from Industrial Avenue will be detoured to the I-495 Northbound on-ramp, traveling one exit north to exit 107, River Street. Drivers will take a left at the top of the ramp and follow signage to the I-495 southbound on-ramp on the right. 

Travel tips

Drivers should reduce speed and exercise caution. Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.