North Andover drivers should brace for more disruption along Route 114 this fall. Contractors will demolish four Turnpike Street buildings starting in September while excavation, median removal and utility work already underway continue through November.

MassDOT outlined the fall schedule in a project construction update dated Tuesday, Aug. 25. Work runs Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., along the corridor between Waverly Road and Willow Street.

What's being demolished

Structures at 582, 591, 599 and 607 Turnpike St., clustered at the Route 114–Hillside Road intersection, will come down this fall. Asbestos abatement and utility disconnection will precede the demolitions. MassDOT's June update had projected demolition starting in mid-to-late July; the agency now says the work is continuing into the fall season.

Traffic impacts

Lane shifts, traffic control devices and police details may be required within the project limits, MassDOT said. The agency warned drivers to expect delays, reduce speed and use caution.

Delays are likely. Access for pedestrians and emergency services will be maintained throughout the corridor.

Other fall work

Crews are already excavating and placing gravel between the Andover Bypass and Willow Street for a future shared-use path that will eventually connect local streets, businesses and Merrimack College. Center median removal and temporary paving continue corridor-wide.

Utility crews will saw-cut roadway surfaces, relocate utility poles at multiple locations and continue gas line relocation underway since late August. Test pitting for soil sampling and underground utility mapping will run through September.

The bigger project

The Route 114 Corridor Improvements project launched with site preparation on April 27 and is scheduled to continue through 2031, according to the North Andover town website. The full scope includes reconstruction of Turnpike Street, new sidewalks, curb ramps, traffic signal upgrades and drainage improvements.

Residents with questions can call the project hotline at (978) 906-8694 or email [email protected].