Route 1 Closed For Second Time Friday For Emergency Utility Repair

UPDATED: 5:15 p.m.

TOPSFIELD, MA — Route 1 was closed in both directions for a second time late Friday afternoon for emergency utility repair in Saugus after being closed in Topsfield for a downed tree earlier in the day.

A string of utility poles were leaning precariously over the road during the evening commute, making travel along the route dangerous with live wires potentially falling on the highway.

The state Department of Transportation said Route 1 was closed at Walnut Street in Saugus due to the emergency utility repairs at about 5 p.m. Traffic was being diverted via Walnut Street.

• Nearly 23K Without Power As Damaging Winds Gust To 70 MPH Across MA

Ramps from I-95 northbound and southbound to Route 1 southbound at exit 63 in Peabody were also closed. MassDOT said the closures were expected to remain in place into the evening as repairs are completed.

The highway was closed in Topsfield late Friday morning after strong winds downed a tree.

The state Department of Transportation said the downed tree was at Ipswich Road and traffic was being detoured as of 11:45 a.m.

MassDOT said the road reopened at about 12:15 p.m.

Wind damage was reported throughout the state on Friday morning as gusts up to 60 miles per hour wreaked havoc across Massachusetts where a High Wind Advisory was in effect until 7 p.m. — with a High Wind Warning in effect across parts of Worcester County, northwest Middlesex County and the Berkshires.