All Lanes Of I-495 In Westford Shut Down After Fire On Electrical Pole
WESTFORD (CBS) -- The north and southbound sides of Interstate-495 in Westford were shut down on Tuesday after a fire spread to an electrical wire on the highway.
Mass. State Police, the Westford Fire Department and National Grid all responded to the scene around 11 a.m. State Police tweeted that drivers should seek alternative routes.
Fire crews worked to knock down the fire, which was between Exits 31 and 32. National Grid is looking into whether the poles and wires involved will need replacing, said police.
In the meantime, traffic was backed up on both sides for several miles. It remained that way for hours; MassDOT announced the southbound side reopened at 2:35 p.m. and the northbound at 3:25 p.m.
According to National Grid, the fire, which was initially categorized as a transformer fire, was more likely a related to Monday night's weather.
No further information was available.