11/4/2013: I-81 shut down in both directions at Harrisonburg - UPDATED

Photo from Harrisonburg Electric Commission.

Monday afternoon around 3:00 a tractor-trailer ran off I-81 at Mile Marker 243 at Harrisonburg, taking down power lines and closing all lanes of the interstate, both northbound and southbound. Power lines were across the road and traffic was rerouted. Word from those living in the area was that Rt. 11, an alternate to I-81, was a parking lot. At 5:00, VDOT said the interstate would be closed another 3-4 hours.

With always-heavy I-81 traffic on top of local commuter traffic at the end of the work day, it's a mess in Harrisonburg. Avoid the area if at all possible. Travelers who had planned to make it further along the interstate may end up staying over at Harrisonburg hotels. More information can be found at NBC-29, WHSV TV-3, and WSVA radio.

UPDATE: I-81 reopened around 8:00 Monday evening.