VDOT to Close I-81 Ramps in Harrisonburg for Construction
The Interstate 81 north ramps to Route 33 will face overnight closures beginning November 2 for construction work.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Trucks
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The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the Interstate 81 north ramps to Route 33 at Exits 247 A-B on consecutive nights starting Monday, November 2, 2026. These closures are required to facilitate ongoing shoulder widening work in the area.
Why it matters
The closures are part of the larger I-81 Widening Harrisonburg project, which aims to improve infrastructure capacity. This work is necessary to complete planned highway enhancements scheduled to continue through 2032.
The overnight closures affect the Interstate 81 north ramps at Exits 247 A-B. The broader widening project remains active with an anticipated completion date in 2032.
The players
Virginia Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the road and bridge infrastructure throughout Virginia.
The details
Crews are performing essential shoulder widening work during the overnight hours to minimize daytime disruptions for commuters. These specific ramp closures are temporary measures to ensure site safety while heavy machinery is in use.
Timeline
November 2, 2026, 8 p.m. to November 3, 2026, 7 a.m.
November 3, 2026, 8 p.m. to November 4, 2026, 7 a.m.
The project is expected to be completed in 2032.
Roadmap
These closures represent the logistical requirements of the I-81 Widening Harrisonburg project, a long-term initiative to modernize major transit corridors. This shift mirrors broader efforts by state authorities to expand capacity on aging highways to meet increasing heavy-duty transport demands.
Drivers utilizing the Interstate 81 north ramps at Exits 247 A-B should plan for alternative routes during the overnight hours of November 2 and November 3. Access to Route 33 will be restricted during the closure windows, requiring travelers to adjust their schedules.
The takeaway
Motorists should verify their navigation apps before traveling through the Harrisonburg area on the nights of November 2 and 3. Staying informed via official state channels helps avoid unexpected delays during major highway improvement projects.
Further reading
For updates on regional traffic and infrastructure, see the Harrisonburg Trucks section.
More information
For more information on the construction timeline, visit the VDOT project updates and newsletter signup.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Augusta Free Press.
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