How to navigate the traffic nightmare in Harrisonburg this week

Drivers headed to Harrisonburg this week are going to be dealing with something of a traffic nightmare at Interstate 81 Exit 247.

Route 33 is scheduled to be closed around the clock through Friday at 8 a.m. This closure affects eastbound and westbound traffic between Carlton Street and Linda Lane/Burgess Road, in the area of the Interstate 81 Exit 247 interchange.

The closure is in effect to allow contractors to pour concrete for the new Route 33 bridge over the interstate.

During the closure, Route 33 traffic will use the following posted detours:

• Westbound drivers will turn left on Burgess Road, right on Evelyn Byrd Avenue, right on Reservoir Street and then right on South Carlton Street to return to Route 33.
• Eastbound drivers will turn right on South Carlton Street, left on Reservoir Street, left on Evelyn Byrd Avenue, and then left on Burgess Road to return to Route 33.

Three ramps at the I-81 Exit 247 interchange with Route 33 will also be closed. These closures allow ramp reconstruction work as part of the ongoing interchange improvement project.

Details are as follows:

• The Exit 247A ramp from southbound I-81 to eastbound Route 33 will be closed. Southbound I-81 drivers who need to reach eastbound Route 33 will take Exit 247B, turn left on South Carlton Street, left on Reservoir Street, left on Evelyn Byrd Avenue, and then left on Burgess Road to return to Route 33.

• The Exit 247B ramp from northbound I-81 to westbound Route 33 will be closed. Northbound I-81 drivers who need to reach westbound Route 33 will take Exit 247A, turn right on Burgess Road, right on Evelyn Byrd Avenue, right on Reservoir Street and then right on South Carlton Street to return to Route 33.

The ramp from eastbound and westbound Route 33 onto southbound I-81 will be closed. Route 33 motorists who need to reach southbound I-81 will detour to the Exit 245 interchange on Port Republic Road as follows:

• Eastbound drivers will turn right on South Carlton Street, left on Reservoir Street, right on Neff Avenue, and then right on Port Republic Road to reach I-81.
• Westbound drivers will turn left on Burgess Road, right on Evelyn Byrd Avenue, left onto Reservoir Street, right on Neff Avenue, and then right on Port Republic Road to reach I-81.

Digital message signs will advise motorists of the road and ramp closures. All work is weather permitting, and the schedule is subject to change.

VDOT will provide updates as needed.

For updated traffic alerts and travel information dial 511, visit the 511 Virginia website or download the mobile app.