HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Bridge demolition and ramp reconstruction will cause traffic restrictions and delays on Interstate 81 in Harrisonburg from July 21-26 for ongoing improvements to Route 33 (East Market Street) and its interchange with I-81 at exit 247.

The off-ramp from southbound I-81 to westbound Route 33 at exit 247B will be closed from 10 p.m. Sunday, July 21, through the early morning hours of Friday, July 26 for reconstruction.

During the closure, southbound I-81 motorists needing to access westbound Route 33 will detour south to exit 245 (Port Republic Road), then follow northbound I-81 and take exit 247B to reach westbound Route 33. The southbound I-81 ramp to westbound Route 33 is the only exit 247 ramp affected by this closure.

Overnight slow rolls (rolling roadblocks) are scheduled for northbound and southbound I-81 from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights (July 22-26), to remove concrete girders from the westbound Route 33 bridge over the interstate.

The slow rolls will alternate between northbound and southbound traffic:

  • Northbound I-81 slow rolls will start near mile marker 241.6 and will require temporary closures of the on-ramps from exits 243 (Route 11 south of Harrisonburg) and 245 (Port Republic Road).
  • Southbound I-81 slow rolls will start near mile marker 253 and require temporary closures of the on-ramps from exit 251 (Route 11 north of Harrisonburg).

Virginia State Police will manage the slow-roll traffic operations, which create a traffic gap by reducing approaching traffic speeds to as low as 10 mph. This gap allows work like bridge-beam placement to safely take place. Traffic can also be temporarily stopped and held by a lead vehicle in each lane.

Digital message signs will advise drivers of slow rolls, ramp closures and detours. Work is weather permitting.

VDOT is replacing the two Route 33 bridges over Interstate 81 and the two railroad bridges west of the exit 247 interchange. The project includes a new shared-use path in the median of Route 33 and operational improvements at the interchange. More info is available on the VDOT project page.

A 25-mph work-zone speed limit is in place on Route 33 for the project expected to last into 2026. The work zone is closed to pedestrian traffic.