Haverhill-Methuen Bridge Replacement
Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Upcoming Public Hearing
An in-person Public Information Meeting will be held at Haverhill City Hall to discuss the Haverhill-Methuen I-495 and Industrial Ave Bridge Replacements project.
The purpose of this meeting is to introduce the public to the proposed Haverhill-Methuen I-495 and Industrial Avenue bridge replacements. All views and comments made at the meeting will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.
Haverhill-Methuen bridge replacements
MassDOT is replacing structurally deficient bridges carrying I-495 over the Merrimack River and carrying Industrial Avenue over I-495 in Haverhill and Methuen.
MassDOT Official Project Page Sign Up for Weekly Updates Traffic and construction updates
Project overview
The Haverhill–Methuen Bridge Replacements Project will reconstruct multiple aging bridges along a 1.5-mile section of I-495 in Methuen and Haverhill. The existing bridges were built in the 1960s. They remain safe but are nearing the end of their service life and must be replaced.
This work will improve safety, reduce long-term maintenance needs, and enhance traffic operations along one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors.
Project scope
The project includes:I-495 bridges
- Replace I-495 northbound and southbound bridges over Route 110/Merrimack Street and the Merrimack River
- Construct a noise wall along I-495 northbound
Industrial Avenue bridges
- Replace separate Industrial Avenue bridges (eastbound and westbound) over I-495 with a single widened structure
- Reconstruct approaches to the Industrial Avenue bridges
- Relocate and improve overhead utilities along Industrial Ave
Route 110/Merrimack Street
- Mill and pave portions of Route 110/Merrimack Street in Methuen
- Increase vertical clearance along Route 110/Merrimack Street
- Relocate and improve utilities along Route 110/Merrimack Street
Project benefits
The project will provide:- Safer travel on I-495 and Industrial Avenue
- Modern bridges that reduce future inspection and maintenance needs
- New Merrimack River bridges with fewer piers in the water, lessening impacts to the river’s ecosystem
- Noise barriers that reduce highway noise for nearby residents
Traffic maintenance
MassDOT will maintain traffic throughout construction using staged construction:I-495
- Three travel lanes will be maintained throughout all stages of construction, during peak periods of travel
Industrial Avenue
- Two travel lanes in each direction will remain open throughout construction
A public hearing was held on February 1, 2024.
Public Meeting Handout
Public Hearing Notice
While this project is exempt from local Conservation Commission jurisdiction, state and federal permitting was acquired. See additional information below:
401 Water Quality Certification
Amended 401 Water Quality Certification
Army Corps Verification with Plan Set
Contact Us
Haverhill City Hall
4 Summer Street
Haverhill MA, 01830
Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:00
Call Center 311 (within city limits)
(978) 358-1311 (outside the city)