The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that a temporary off-ramp from the Mass Pike (Interstate 90) eastbound to Interstate-495, both northbound and southbound, will open Tuesday morning.
The temporary off-ramp is being installed as part of ongoing work at the heavily traveled I-495/I-90 interchange, which straddles Hopkinton and Westborough.
In a press release, MassDOT officials said the temporary off-ramp will continue to provide two lanes for exiting traffic and will require motorists using the ramp to reduce their speed to safely navigate the temporary alignment.
Meanwhile, officials said both the Mass Pike and I-495 will continue to provide three lanes per direction (except for limited off-peak lane closures) and that all other ramps at the interchange will remain open in their existing configuration and alignment as part of this step of construction.
'Addresses long-term congestion issues': Proposed reconstruction of Mass Pike, I-495 interchange takes step forward
Work is being undertaken as part of the $466 million I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project. The project is designed to reduce crashes and increase safety for an interchange that project manager Michael O'Dowd previously said carries more than 175,000 vehicles per day between two of the state's most significant roadways.
MassDOT officials said appropriate signage, law enforcement details and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
'Challenging project': Mass Pike-Interstate 495 infrastructure project enters construction stage
Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution.
The work is weather permitting and subject to change.
For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are also encouraged to:
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Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
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Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
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Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Temporary off-ramp connecting Mass Pike with I-495 opens July 11