WESTBOROUGH – The first stage to improve the interchange at I-495 and the Massachusetts Turnpike is about to begin.
On Wednesday, April 25, officials from the state’s Department of Transportation conducted a public information meeting on the project, which will include the demolition of the Fruit Street bridge over Route 495 and the construction of a new ramp near Cumberland Farms on Flanders Road.
About the project
On an average day, this interchange carries hundreds of thousands of vehicles that travel on both I-90 and I-495, with approximately half of all trucking entering eastern Massachusetts. The deficient geometry concentrates movements through the former toll plaza area, resulting in queuing onto the interstate mainlines and crash rates twice the statewide average.
The project will replace the interchange; eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas; improve ramp spacing, acceleration and deceleration lanes; and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 northbound to Route 9. New bridges will be constructed on I-495 over I-90; on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines; on I-495 northbound over Flanders Road and on Fruit Street.
The project design is taking place now through December 2024 with project completion scheduled for June 2027.
Fruit Street Bridge
Starting on Monday, May 8, crews will begin overnight demolition of the Fruit Street bridge in Hopkinton as part of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project. Demolition is planned to occur on Monday through Friday between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. for three weeks.
Fruit Street in Hopkinton will be open to only local traffic between North Street and Saddle Hill Road while detours are in place. The demolition work requires temporary overnight detours. During this time, the following signed detour routes will be in place for vehicles traveling on Fruit Street:
Westbound traffic looking to cross over I-495: Turn left to head south on Saddle Hill Road. Turn slightly right onto Walker Street, then turn right onto Wood Street (Route 135 West) and continue until you reach Fruit Street.
Eastbound traffic looking to cross over I-495: Follow detour signage in place to Wood Street (Route 135 East). Turn left onto Walker Street, then continue onto Saddle Hill Road until you reach Fruit Street.
New ramp
Ramp WN will connect the westbound lane of the Massachusetts Turnpike to Route 495 northbound. It will be a single lane, with about 1,500 feet over the spur tracks at Cumberland Farms.
The ramp to 495 will also add an auxiliary lane to Route 9.
MassDOT officials said they plan to restore the wetlands around that area.
Construction should begin by the end of the year.
Stay informed about Mass. Pike, I-495 project
If someone you know would like to subscribe to receive project updates, meeting notices and traffic impact advisories, visit www.mass.gov/massdot/495-90interchange
To report a noise complaint, please call the project hotline: 508-676-3551.
