Haverhill police announced Friday morning that Washington Square in downtown Haverhill, Massachusetts, is closed to all vehicular traffic after a vehicle struck a pedestrian. The incident, which occurred early Friday, prompted city officials to set up detour routes to keep traffic moving while the area remains secured for investigation.
Detour routes and travel advice
In a Facebook post at 9:15 a.m., the Haverhill Police Department instructed drivers to avoid Washington Square entirely and to follow posted signs directing traffic onto nearby streets. Suggested alternate routes include using Main Street to the north or turning onto Essex Street to the south, depending on the driver’s destination. Police emphasized that these detours will stay in place until the investigation is complete and the scene is cleared.
Investigation underway
The collision is currently under active investigation by Haverhill police. Officers are gathering witness statements, reviewing any available surveillance footage, and conducting a thorough on‑scene examination. No further details about the condition of the pedestrian or the driver have been released at this time. Police have promised to update the public as more information becomes available.
Community impact
Local businesses in the Washington Square area have been advised to prepare for reduced foot traffic while the detour remains in effect. The city’s public works department is coordinating with police to ensure that signage is clear and that any necessary road repairs are completed promptly after the investigation concludes.
What residents can do
Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time when navigating downtown Haverhill. The police department asks anyone with information about the crash to contact them directly via the non‑emergency line or through the city’s online tip portal.
Haverhill officials reaffirm their commitment to public safety and will continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that downtown traffic returns to normal as soon as it is safe to do so.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
