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 8 – November 21, 2026

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

The project is currently in Stage 1 of construction. Ongoing activities include completing the Stage 1 bridge substructure at Industrial Avenue and the continuation of superstructure construction for the Stage 1 I-495 bridge. For additional information, please refer to the construction schedule available on the About the project page.

Operations

Scheduled highway work over the next two weeks will entail roadway maintenance and structural steel work for the I-495 Stage 1 bridge. Drivers should be mindful of the modified alignment of travel lanes along I-495 Southbound, Northbound, and Industrial Avenue to facilitate Stage 1 construction. This project utilizes a reduced work zone speed limit of 55mph on I-495 within the project limits. Motorists should be mindful and reduce speed while traveling through the active work zone.

Ongoing travel impacts

Over the next two weeks, drivers should anticipate nightly lane closures within the work zones listed below. There will be no travel impacts on November 11, 2026 for the Veteran’s Day holiday.

I-495 Northbound and Southbound bridges

Work within the project area will entail:

• Temporary nightly lane closures as needed from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, November 9th and Tuesday November 10th. Nightly lane closures will resume Thursday, November 12th through Saturday, November 14th within the area of Exit 105 to Exit 106. Nightly lane closures will continue the following week on Monday, November 16th through Friday, November 20th within the area of Exit 105 to Exit 106.

Industrial Ave Eastbound and Westbound bridges

Work within the project area will entail: 

• Temporary nighttime bridge and ramp closures from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. at Industrial Ave Eastbound and Westbound Bridge / I-495 Southbound Exit 106 on/off ramps as needed Tuesday, November 10th, and Thursday, November 12th through Saturday, November 14th into the following morning. Temporary ramp closures will continue the following week on Monday, November 16th through Friday, November 20th.

Specific dates of closures are subject to change, additional advisories and advanced warning messaging will be in place prior to ramp closures.

New travel impacts

The Exit 106 off-ramp on I-495 southbound to Industrial Avenue in Haverhill will be closed as needed for structural steel erection for the new bridge at Industrial Avenue. The off-ramp will be closed as needed from Tuesday, November 10th, and Thursday, November 12th through Saturday, November 14th from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. Temporary ramp closures will continue the following week on Monday, November 16th through Friday, November 20th. In addition, the Exit 106 on-ramp from Industrial Avenue to I-495 southbound will be closed as needed from Tuesday, November 10th, and Thursday, November 12th through Saturday, November 14th from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. Temporary ramp closures will continue the following week on Monday, November 16th through Friday, November 20th.

Drivers seeking to access exit 106 on I-495 southbound will be detoured to exit 104, (Route 110/Merrimack Street). Drivers will take a left at the intersection at the top of the ramp and follow signage to the I-495 northbound onramp on the right. Travelers will continue on I-495 northbound to the exit 106 (Industrial Avenue) offramp.

Drivers who are traveling from Industrial Ave to I-495 southbound will be detoured to the I-495 northbound on-ramp, traveling one exit northbound 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.