Overnight work on the $102 million project to replace the bridges that carry traffic on I-495 over the Merrimack River in Haverhill began on Sept 10. (MassDOT photo)

MassDOT has announced that overnight work on the $102 million project to replace the bridges that carry traffic on I-495 over the Merrimack River in Haverhill began on Sept 10.

In general, overnight work will take place during weekdays between the hours of 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. These operations will require temporary lane closures to allow crews to safely and effectively conduct operations.

Initial construction activities will consist of clearing trees and shrubs along I-495. Clearing will begin in the median of I-495 and progress around the site to include areas adjacent to the bridge and slopes adjacent to I-495 northbound.

The clearing will be followed by installing erosion controls. Both activities are necessary to prepare the site for the start of major construction.

Construction of the I-495 northbound bridge will then begin later this fall and be completed by 2020. The new I-495 southbound bridge will be constructed beginning in 2020. The full project is expected to be completed in 2022. In order to minimize the impacts on the traveling public and the local community, MassDOT will maintain three lanes of travel in each direction on I-495 north and southbound during peak commuting hours throughout construction.

The project also includes widening and reconstructing ramps; realigning the roadway; improving the roadway drainage system; constructing pier protection barriers for existing bridge piers at the River Street (Exit 49) and Route 125 Connector (Exit 48) overpasses; and improving signage and pavement markings.

MassDOT encourages drivers to reduce speed and use caution while approaching and traveling through the work zone. Law enforcement details, signs, pavement marking and channelizing devices will be used to guide drivers through the work area.

For more information, visit mass.gov/i495haverhillbridge.

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