Massive Interstate 495/Mass Pike interchange project is prompting traffic changes

Tom Benoit, The MetroWest Daily News
·3 min read
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HOPKINTON — Traffic changes are in play at the Interstate 495/Mass Pike interchange as a massive $466 million road project there transitions to its next stage.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently announced that Exit 58 on I-495 southbound, which connects to the Pike both east- and westbound, will be closed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, July 26. This is to accommodate ongoing construction at the heavily traveled interchange, which straddles Hopkinton and Westborough.

During the closure period, southbound I-495 traffic will be directed to continue south to Exit 54A (West Main Street in Hopkinton) to reverse direction back to I-495 north in order to access the Pike on-ramps. Drivers will be directed to follow detour signs.

The Interstate 495/Mass Pike interchange (which is now Exit 58 on I-495) is undergoing a $466 million state construction project.
The Interstate 495/Mass Pike interchange (which is now Exit 58 on I-495) is undergoing a $466 million state construction project.

Revised roadway: Mass Pike-Interstate 495 interchange project enters construction stage

In addition, MassDOT has implemented a traffic shift, beginning the night of July 24, on I-495 to support ongoing construction.

The shift requires all three southbound lanes on I-495 to shift into the median for the duration of the work. The shift will begin north of the MBTA railroad bridge, extend over the Pike (Interstate 90) and conclude just prior to the Fruit Street overpass. Temporary ramp connections will be provided to maintain all movements to and from I-495 southbound and I-90.

The shift is expected to remain in place through 2025.

Mass Pike, I-495 Interchange project to begin second stage this year

Work is being undertaken as part of the $466 million I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project. The project is designed to reduce crashes and increase safety for an interchange that project manager Michael O'Dowd previously said carries more than 175,000 vehicles daily between two of the state's most significant roadways.

According to John Goggin with MassDOT's communications office, the construction signals the start of moving into stage two of the interchange project. The project is scheduled to be completed by June 2027, and involves replacing all ramps, as well as bridges on Fruit Street and those spanning Flanders Road and the MBTA.

Bridge replacements: State to hold virtual meeting on I-90 work in Westborough, Southborough

Stage 1, which is set to be complete in September, involves completing the future northbound lanes in the median and construction on the Fruit Street bridge and on two ramps.

Stage 2 of the project is expected to last until May 2026, and involves completing the future southbound portion of I-495 and the two other ramps.

MassDOT officials said appropriate signage, law enforcement details and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area. Motorists who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution.

All work is weather permitting and subject to change.

For more information on traffic conditions, motorists are encouraged to:

  • Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.

  • Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.

  • Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Interchange project on I-495 and Mass Pike prompts traffic changes.