ANDOVER, Mass. – A serious multi-vehicle crash shut down all northbound lanes of Interstate 495 near the Tewksbury-Andover line Monday evening, prompting a heavy emergency response and major traffic delays across northern Massachusetts.
Major Traffic Disruption on I-495
According to the Massachusetts State Police, the crash occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m., forcing a complete closure of all northbound lanes while emergency crews responded to the scene. The collision involved multiple vehicles, though officials have not yet released details on the number of people injured or the cause of the crash.
Fire officials confirmed that multiple ambulances and rescue units were dispatched from Andover Fire Rescue to assist victims and clear the scene. Motorists were diverted off the highway as authorities worked to stabilize the situation and begin an investigation.
“Our crews are working closely with State Police and emergency medical teams to provide aid and manage the scene safely,” Andover Fire officials said in an early evening statement.
Impact on Commuters
Traffic quickly backed up for several miles following the closure, as the interstate serves as a major corridor for evening commuters between Interstate 93 and Route 3. Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes and expect long delays through Andover, Tewksbury, and neighboring communities.
By late evening, emergency teams were still clearing debris and assessing damage to vehicles, with police saying northbound lanes would remain closed for an extended period while investigators worked to determine what caused the chain-reaction crash.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not confirmed whether weather, speed, or other factors contributed to the accident. The Massachusetts State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation.
Motorists planning to travel through the area Tuesday morning are urged to check real-time traffic updates before leaving and to use Boston 25 News’ live traffic maps or navigation apps to avoid delays.
Stay tuned to HonkNews.com for updates on the I-495 crash and official reopening times once authorities release further details.