Washington Street In Woburn Closed As Workers Repair Downed Telephone Pole

WOBURN, MA -- A downed utility pole in Washington Street is causing backups just ahead of the Friday afternoon rush hour. In a message posted on Twitter Friday afternoon, Woburn Police Chief Robert Ferullo warned that drivers should expect delays as traffic is detoured around Washington Street and Washington Circle.

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Washington Street resident Rebecca Johnson-McDonnell said a car crashed into the utility pole. The accident happened around 11:45 am. By 3:30 pm, the street was still blocked off, Johnson-McDonnell said.

"Washington street is still blocked off by Mill Street it’s still being worked on," she said. "It’s been quite the day over here."

That could prove problematic as the afternoon progresses. Washington Street has bad traffic during a good rush hour with its multiple businesses and its close proximity to both I-93 and I-95. The street also serves as an alternative route for commuters when traffic is bad on those two highways.

Meanwhile, Woburn Public Schools were expecting the detours to delay school bus routes.

This is a breaking news story. Woburn Patch will update as more details become available.

Photo by Rebecca Johnson-McDonnell of Woburn.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).