After Flanders Road Closure, Westborough Drivers Face More I-495 Changes

The temporary Flanders Road closure in Westborough has ended, but drivers should continue to expect changing traffic patterns around the I-495/I-90 interchange. The July 18 closure supported bridge-demolition work, while the broader interchange reconstruction remains active.

MassDOT says traffic shifts, overnight lane closures and construction staging will continue to change as work advances. The project affects travel between Westborough and nearby Hopkinton, as well as drivers using the Massachusetts Turnpike and I-495.

What happened on Flanders Road

Flanders Road was closed from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18, between Washington Street and Connector Road. The closure allowed crews to demolish a section of the I-495 northbound bridge over Flanders Road.

The posted detour directed drivers traveling east of I-495 on Flanders Road to East Main Street, Route 9 east, Coslin Drive, Washington Street and back to Flanders Road. Drivers traveling west of I-495 were directed through Washington Street, Coslin Drive, Route 9 east, a U-turn at Crystal Pond Road, the exit toward Research Drive and Via Connector Road, Computer Drive and Connector Road.

That closure has ended. Residents and businesses near Flanders Road should still watch for additional notices because the bridge and interchange work is continuing.

Temporary Exit 58 ramp is open

MassDOT reports that a temporary Exit 58 ramp opened July 10 as part of the active construction staging plan. The ramp connects southbound I-495 with I-90 and is not the final configuration of the rebuilt interchange.

MassDOT also reports that additional traffic shifts are planned as work advances, including changes involving the I-495 southbound alignment and a crossover arrangement for I-495 northbound. Those changes may create new lane patterns for commuters and other drivers using the interchange.

What drivers should expect next

MassDOT says overnight lane closures on I-90 and I-495 will continue during construction, with at least one lane in each direction remaining open at all times when those controls are in place. Ramp closures may also be scheduled during overnight work, with detours posted for affected movements.

Construction activities are weather-dependent and may change as staging advances. Drivers should allow extra time, follow temporary signs and avoid assuming that a familiar ramp or lane arrangement will remain in place from one trip to the next.

The interchange reconstruction affects a heavily traveled connection between the Mass Pike, I-495, Route 9 and local roads in Westborough and Hopkinton. For nearby employers, delivery vehicles and residents who use Flanders Road, short-term staging changes can alter preferred routes and travel times.

For the most current information, drivers should check updates from MassDOT and the Town of Westborough before traveling through the work zone. Additional closures, detours and traffic shifts may be announced as construction progresses.

Sources

• MassDOT traffic and construction updates
• Town of Westborough Flanders Road closure notice
• Westborough Patch transportation report