LOWELL — State officials are asking the public to avoid Interstate 495 in Lowell due to a police investigation that has closed both sides of the highway during the evening rush hour.
In a post on X at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday, the Massachusetts State Police called it “an ongoing law enforcement investigation.”
A few minutes earlier, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced a temporary closure of I-495 northbound and southbound in Lowell “due to police activity in the area,” and advised drivers to “seek alternative routes and avoid the area if possible.”
WCVB reported that police have also blocked off the Boylston Street overpass to traffic, and the station’s helicopter footage showed several police vehicles stopped in the northbound lanes near a silver pickup truck parked on the grassy median. They also reported a strong police presence at the Shops at Highland Commons in Berlin (which contains Cabela’s and Market Basket). Other published reports indicated police were asking people not to gather on the overpasses to I-495, as there was a firearm involved and they could be putting themselves at risk.
According to MassDOT, northbound traffic on I-495 is being diverted at Exit 89 (Route 3), while southbound traffic is being diverted at Exit 92 (Route 38). Temporary signs and message boards are being deployed to advise drivers to seek alternate routes, and those traveling through the area should expect delays.
This is a developing story.
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