On June 23, changes will occur at the Route 33 bridge project on Interstate 81 exit 247 in Harrisonburg. The modifications involve the closure of the I-81 northbound exit 247A ramp, which serves traffic accessing eastbound Route 33. This closure is scheduled for 8:00 p.m., while exit 247B will remain open.
To inform motorists of the change, message boards will be placed on the I-81 northbound shoulder before exit 247A. These boards will guide drivers to use exit 247B during the overnight closure.
The newly constructed portion of exit ramp 247A will open on June 24 at 7:00 a.m., with a traffic signal installed where it intersects with eastbound Route 33. Traffic from I-81 northbound to Route 33 eastbound must turn right at this signal.
Until mid-August, only right turns onto eastbound Route 33 lanes will be allowed at this intersection due to ongoing ramp construction. Motorists should stay alert to the new traffic pattern and signal.
This work is part of ongoing construction at the Interstate 81 exit 247 interchange in Harrisonburg. “All work is weather permitting, and the schedule is subject to change,” states VDOT, which plans to provide updates as needed.
VDOT contractors are replacing two Route 33 bridges over I-81 and two railway bridges west of the interchange. The project includes several improvements to the interchange and enforces a work-zone speed limit of 25 miles per hour on Route 33 until its completion in summer 2026. Additional details can be found on VDOT’s project page.
In July 2022, Triton Construction Inc., based in St. Albans, W.Va., was awarded a $43.3 million contract for this project.
For updated traffic alerts and traveler information, dial “511” or visit VDOT’s website. The VDOT Customer Service Center offers assistance with road hazards and transportation inquiries through its hotline or mobile-friendly website.
VDOT Staunton District can be followed on Facebook and X (Twitter), while statewide accounts are available on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube.
