Weekend I-495 Travel Near Ward Hill to Be Reduced to One or Two Lanes

Single and double lane closures of I-495 in Haverhill take place over the next two weekends as part of a $2.9 million temporary repair project.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation said the “off-peak, overnight lane reductions” will take place along the stretch of the highway at the Merrimack River Bridge, between exits 48 and 49.

“These traffic impacts are necessary in order to allow crews to safely and effectively conduct resurfacing operations including milling and paving,” a statement said. A minimum of one travel lane will be maintained at all times.

This weekend lanes will be closed on the northbound side of the highway from 7 p.m., Saturday Aug. 12, through 8 a.m., Sunday, and from 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 13, through 5 a.m., Monday.

Next weekend, work focuses on the southbound lanes, from 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18, through 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 19, and from 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19, through 10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 20.

While state transportation officials have said replacement bridges are still in the works, the current project will help smooth out the roadway. Work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.