A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor device located over a substrate, a dielectric layer stack of at least one first dielectric material layer, a silicon nitride layer, and at least one second dielectric material layer overlying the semiconductor device, and interconnect structures including metallic lines and metallic vias and embedded within the dielectric layer stack. The interconnect structures also include a metal silicide portion that directly contacts the silicon nitride layer. A combination of the silicon nitride layer and the metal silicide portion provides a continuous hydrogen barrier structure that is vertically spaced from the top surface of the semiconductor device.