State Police Shut Down Major MA Highway During Apparent Standoff

UPDATED: 7:30 p.m.

TEWKSBURY, MA — Rush hour commuters were urged to avoid Route 495 in Lowell on Tuesday afternoon as State Police shut down the major highway in both directions for nearly three hours during an apparent standoff.

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"There is an ongoing law enforcement investigation that has closed both sides of the highway in that area," State Police said.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation said northbound traffic was being diverted at Route 3 (Exit 89) as of 4:30 p.m. Southbound traffic was being diverted at Route 38 (Exit 92).

Multiple media reports said State Police vehicles used drones and other communication techniques with a pickup truck that was stopped in the median near Route 110 in Lowell.

Southbound lanes were reopened at about 7:30 p.m. , while northbound lanes remained closed at that time and traffic was backed up for miles.