Temporary lane closures on the Lowell Connector today

lowell » The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is announcing the temporary closure of the ramps leading to the Lowell Connector from Interstate 495 and Route 3 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. today to allow for snow removal.

The ramps will be closed in the following order:

•I-495 northbound to Lowell Connector inbound

•I-495 southbound to Lowell Connector inbound

•Route 3 northbound to Lowell Connector inbound

Traffic will be diverted to adjacent ramps. After these ramps have been reopened, work crews will be closing the right lane of the Lowell Connector outbound, leaving one lane of traffic open outbound.

MASSDOT encourages drivers to seek alternate routes, reduce speed and use caution while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For more information, visit mass511.com or dial 511.

Townsend Police encourage residents to sign up for emergency alerts

townsend » Local residents are likely in need of consistent updates from officials regarding anything from a snow storm to the coronavirus pandemic. With that in mind, emergency officials have a service to keep them in the loop.

The Townsend Police Department is asking residents to sign up for the town’s emergency alert system, CODERED. A free community notification system, CODERED sends alerts to Townsend residents regarding time-sensitive information on potential and ongoing emergencies. These alerts include missing children or missing persons, criminal activity, fires, drinking water contamination, utility outages, traffic conditions, various threats to people or the environment and other incidents public safety officials deem important.

“Codered’s comprehensive notification system will provide our public safety departments a reliable and easy-to-use interface to quickly deliver critical information to our citizens during emergencies,” Chief James Sartell said in a press release. “Fire Chief Mark Boynton and I are looking forward to using this technology to enhance our emergency preparedness plans. We anticipate using the system to notify residents of issues that directly impact public safety.”

Residents can sign up on the Townsend Police Department website.

Lowell Senior Center seeks volunteers

lowell » The Lowell Senior Center seeks volunteers for basic shoveling of sidewalks, walkways and steps so seniors can get their mail, meals and other services. Shovels, gloves and safety vests are available if needed. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the city. Call 978-674-1168 or email Glady at crosa@lowellma.gov with your contact information and neighborhoods in which you can help.