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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.

495 wires fire westford
A transformer fire forced State Police to shut down the highway. (WBZ-TV)

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.

495 wire fire westford
Both sides of I-495 in Westford were shut down Tuesday. (WBZ-TV)

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.

495 wires fire westford
The transformer fire off I-495 in Westford. (WBZ-TV)

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.

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