Motorists traveling on eastbound Route 33 in Harrisonburg should prepare for lane shifts starting Monday, June 30, 2025. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced that the changes will occur around the Interstate 81 exit 247 interchange, beginning at Carlton Street and extending to just west of the new bridge over I-81.
Eastbound drivers will transition onto a newly constructed section of roadway just east of Carlton Street before reaching Martin Luther King Jr Way. This includes crossing a new portion of the Norfolk Southern Railway bridge. After this point, traffic will merge back into the realigned Route 33 lanes near the I-81 southbound entrance ramp. These adjustments are scheduled during daylight hours on June 30.
The traffic shift also allows Martin Luther King Jr Way to resume right and left turns at its intersection with Route 33. Consequently, an existing detour via Reservoir Street between Martin Luther King Jr Way and South Carlton Street will be lifted.
This change is part of ongoing construction efforts on Route 33 at Interstate 81 exit 247 interchange aimed at restoring two travel lanes in both directions throughout the project area. All work is dependent on weather conditions, and VDOT plans to provide updates as necessary.
VDOT contractors are tasked with replacing two bridges over I-81 at exit 247 along with two railway bridges west of the interchange. The project includes several enhancements to the exit itself and maintains a work-zone speed limit of 25 miles per hour until its expected completion in summer 2026.
A $43.3 million contract was awarded in July 2022 to Triton Construction Inc., based in St. Albans, West Virginia.
For current traffic alerts and traveler information, residents can dial “511” or visit VDOT’s website. The VDOT Customer Service Center offers assistance with road hazards or transportation inquiries through their hotline or mobile-friendly site.
VDOT Staunton District provides services across Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
