Work-related to the Interstate-81 Community Grid project in Syracuse can begin.
A ruling made Tuesday by State Supreme Court Judge Gerard Neri will require engineers to take part in further review before any existing structures can be demolished.
The project would see the viaduct replaced in downtown Syracuse with a community grid that would reroute the majority of traffic around the city.
Text of Justice Neri’s Ruling:
“NOW, THEREFORE, upon reading and filing the papers with respect to the Petition, oral arguments, and due deliberation having been had thereon, it is hereby
ORDERED, that the relief requested in the Petition and Supplemental Petition is granted insofar as to require a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement addressing the deficiencies identified above, including but not limited to the lack of specific air quality analysis on the present I-481 corridor as a result of diverted traffic from the demolition of the I-81 viaduct in downtown Syracuse, failure to provide specific analysis on impact to water resources due to stormwater management not being finalized, and invalid future traftic projections as a result of the imminent Micron Factory Campus; and it is further
ORDERED, that Respondents may proceed on Contracts Numbered 1 through 3 which are to be completed by late 2025, but are precluded from undertaking demolition activities of the viaduct unless and until they complete the required supplementation; and it is further
ORDERED, that Respondents may continue to perform necessary maintenance and safety repairs for the Project area including Interstates 81 and 481; and it is further
ORDERED, that the Petition is DENIED in all other respect not specifically granted above.”
