State Police Shut Down Major MA Highway At Rush Hour Peak Tuesday

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.

"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 80) as of 4:30 p.m. Southbound traffic was being diverted at Route 38 (Exit 92).

Traffic quickly backed up for miles in each direction before 5 p.m.

Patch will update this developing story as more information becomes available.