Old Dominion News

Bridge deck work will lead to a 24-hour closure of all westbound lanes on the Route 33 bridge over Interstate 81 in Harrisonburg. The closure is scheduled from January 28 to February 4, as part of an ongoing project at I-81 exit 247. Work begins at 2 p.m. on January 28 and is essential for pouring operations and curing time for new bridge decks.

Advance warning digital message boards will be posted on January 24 to inform motorists about the closures. The affected area extends from Linda Lane and Burgess Road across the I-81 overpass bridge.

A detour has been set up for westbound Route 33 drivers: turn left on Burgess Road, right on Evelyn Byrd Avenue, right on Reservoir Street, then right on South Carlton Street to return to Route 33. During this period, the entrance ramp onto northbound I-81 from westbound Route 33 will remain open, while the northbound exit ramp onto westbound Route 33 will be closed.

Northbound I-81 drivers needing access to westbound Route 33 should take exit 247A. Digital message boards along I-81 northbound lanes will alert motorists that exit ramp 247B is closed and direct them to use exit 247A instead.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) notes that all work depends on weather conditions and schedules may change accordingly. Updates will be provided as necessary.

VDOT contractors are working on replacing two Route 33 bridges over I-81 at exit 247 and two railway bridges just west of the interchange. Improvements are also planned for the exit interchange itself. A speed limit of 25 miles per hour is enforced in the work zone throughout this project, expected to conclude by summer of 2026.

In July of last year, a $43.3 million contract was awarded to Triton Construction Inc., based in St. Albans, West Virginia.

The VDOT Staunton District covers several counties including Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath.

For traffic alerts or traveler information visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/ or dial '511'. For further assistance or road hazard reporting within Virginia call VDOT's Customer Service Center at '1-800-FOR-ROAD' (1-800-367-7623).

Follow VDOT Staunton District updates via Facebook and Twitter; statewide updates can be accessed through their social media accounts or their website at https://vdot.virginia.gov/.