Expect Interstate 81 northbound ramp changes at the Route 33 bridge project

STAUNTON – Monday night, June 23 will bring changes on the Route 33 (East Market Street) bridge project at Interstate 81 exit 247 in Harrisonburg. The changes affect the I-81 exit 247A ramp. Exit 247A serves I-81 northbound traffic accessing eastbound Route 33. This ramp is being reconstructed.

The existing northbound I-81 exit 247A ramp will close on June 23, at 8:00 p.m.  Exit 247B will remain open for access to Route 33.

Changeable message boards will be posted on the I-81 northbound shoulder in advance of exit 247A, alerting motorist of the closure and directing drivers to exit 247B for access to Route 33 during the June 23 overnight closure.

On Tuesday, June 24, at 7:00 a.m. I-81 exit 247A will open with traffic using a newly constructed portion of the exit ramp. A traffic signal will be located where the exit ramp intersects with eastbound Route 33.

Ramp traffic from I-81 northbound to Route 33 eastbound will need to turn right at the signal.

From June 24 until mid-August 2025 only right turns onto eastbound Route 33 lanes will be permitted at this traffic signal. During this period ramp construction will be competed

Motorist should be alert to the new traffic pattern and traffic signal at the ramp intersection with Route 33 eastbound lanes.

This work is part of ongoing construction on Route 33 at the Interstate 81 exit 247 interchange in Harrisonburg,

All work is weather permitting, and the schedule is subject to change. The Virginia Department of Transportation will provide updates as needed.

VDOT contractors are replacing the two Route 33 bridges over I-81 at exit 247 and the two railway bridges just west of the interchange. The project also includes several improvements to the exit 247 interchange. A work-zone speed limit of 25 miles an hour is in place on Route 33 for the duration of the project, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2026. Additional information is available on the VDOT project page.

In July 2022 a $43.3 million contract was awarded to Triton Construction Inc. of Virginia, headquartered in St. Albans, W.Va.

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