Fish Partly to Blame for 4-Year Long Construction Project on 495 in Haverhill, Mass

Those who travel on interstate 495 should expect some long-term construction to possibly affect your commuting times over the next four years.

According to the Eagle Tribune, the bridge replacement project is slated to start this week will cost an estimated $102 million. The bridge that crosses the Merrimack River at exits 48 and 49 in Haverhill, Massachusetts will be demolished and replaced. It's expected to take four years to complete the four-stage project. And, one of the reasons why it will take so long to complete is fish.

Yes, you read that correctly. The Mass DOT and SPS, the general contractor for the project say the reason for the lengthy project is due to state environmental regulations. Workers will only be allowed to access the river November 16th through February 28th. This is to protect sturgeon that live in the Merrimack River.

The project is expected to be completed in June of 2022.