Major bridge work to close westbound Route 33 lanes Over I-81 in Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg, Virginia – Significant bridge deck work will require a full closure of all westbound lanes on the Route 33 (East Market Street) bridge over Interstate 81 in Harrisonburg. The closure will begin on Tuesday, January 28 at 2 p.m. and will continue uninterrupted until Tuesday, February 4. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced that the closure is necessary to allow for pouring and curing operations on the new bridge deck as part of the ongoing interchange improvement project at I-81 exit 247.
Advance Notice and Traffic Detours
To help drivers prepare for the closure, digital message boards will be in place on westbound Route 33 and northbound I-81 starting Friday, January 24, 2025. These signs will notify motorists of the upcoming traffic disruptions and guide them to alternative routes.
The westbound Route 33 closure will extend from the intersection of Linda Lane and Burgess Road, continuing across the I-81 overpass bridge. During this period, a detour route will be in place for westbound drivers, which will follow these directions:
- Turn left onto Burgess Road
- Turn right onto Evelyn Byrd Avenue
- Turn right onto Reservoir Street
- Turn right onto South Carlton Street to return to Route 33
The entrance ramp from westbound Route 33 onto northbound I-81 at exit 247 will remain open, ensuring some access to the highway. However, the northbound I-81 exit 247B ramp leading onto westbound Route 33 will be closed for the entire duration of the construction. Drivers traveling north on I-81 who need access to westbound Route 33 should use exit 247A, with detour signs directing them to follow the designated route.
Project Details and Schedule
The Route 33 bridge replacement is part of a larger effort to improve the exit 247 interchange, which includes the reconstruction of two railway bridges just west of the area. VDOT has set a work-zone speed limit of 25 miles per hour on Route 33 for the duration of the project to enhance safety. The overall project is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
The bridge and interchange project is being managed by Triton Construction Inc., which was awarded a $43.3 million contract in July 2022. Triton Construction, headquartered in St. Albans, West Virginia, is working to enhance traffic flow and infrastructure longevity in the region.
Stay Informed on Traffic Conditions
Drivers are encouraged to stay updated on the project and any changes to the schedule by visiting the VDOT 511 website at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or dialing 511 for real-time traffic information.
For additional assistance, residents can contact the VDOT Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to report road hazards or get information related to Virginia’s transportation infrastructure.
