Ground was broken Friday on the transformational Interstate 81 Viaduct Project in Syracuse, formally launching one of the largest and most ambitious construction projects ever undertaken by New York State, in partnership with the federal government.
Overseen by the State Department of Transportation, the $2.25 billion project will create a Community Grid to reconnect downtown neighborhoods severed by the I-81 viaduct’s construction. The project, which is the result of more than a decade of planning and community engagement, will also create a new Business Loop 81, which will pass through Syracuse distributing traffic along the way and making other improvements that will improve mobility, enhance safety, create new recreational opportunities and promote economic growth throughout all of Central New York.
Through the construction of the Community Grid, the project aims to reverse the decision made in the 1950s to build the viaduct through the heart of Syracuse. The Community Grid will reconnect neighborhoods, enhance mobility and improve access to and from the interstate highway network and key destinations, including the downtown business districts, area hospitals and Syracuse University. It will also provide safe and ADA-accessible pedestrian and bicycle amenities throughout the project area.
The Community Grid design will reconnect neighborhoods that have been separated since the viaduct’s construction. The project will upgrade a portion of Interstate 481, which would be re-designated as I-81, and construct the new Business Loop 81 along Almond Street to improve connections to downtown and other business districts.
The project also includes improvements to the sewer and stormwater management system that will reduce runoff and help prevent overflows during heavy rains that threaten the water quality of Onondaga Creek and Onondaga Lake.
Additional project features include:
- Reconstruction of Almond Street nearly 13 miles of new or reconstructed sidewalks, two miles of new or reconstructed shared-use paths for bicycles and pedestrians, a 1-mile cycle track, and nearly two miles of new or reconstructed shared vehicle and bicycle lanes.
- A new full interchange on I-690 at Crouse and Irving Avenues to provide more direct connections to hospitals, employment centers, and educational facilities on University Hill.
- A reconfigured I-690 West Street interchange.
- A new northbound off-ramp from Business Loop 81 to Colvin Street.
- Bear Street improvements.
- A new third lane on I-481 northbound between I-690 and the NYS Thruway (Interstate 90); and an improved Exit 3
Major construction is now underway on the first of multiple contracts planned for the project. Work on Contract 1 consists of reconstructing the existing Interstate 481/I-81 northern interchange to the re-designated I-81 and Business Loop 81, while also converting portions of I-481 to the new I-81 and making several road and bridge improvements along the corridor.
Contract 2, which was awarded this week, will begin the conversion of the southern interchange of I-481/I-81. Together these two contracts are essential to maintaining a high-speed interstate connection with national and international north-south trade routes from Tennessee to the Canadian border.
The first phase of the I-81 Viaduct Project will create gateways to the Community Grid and will relieve existing traffic congestion issues in the city and improve access to and from the interstate highway network and such key destinations as the downtown business districts, area hospitals, and Syracuse University. It will also provide safe and ADA-accessible pedestrian and bicycle amenities throughout the project area.
As construction proceeds, NYSDOT will continue to engage the community and keep stakeholders informed of developments in soon-to-be-opened community outreach centers on the north and south sides of the City of Syracuse. Some of the features visitors can expect when visiting the outreach centers are face-to-face interactions with an I-81 Viaduct Project representative, visuals of renderings associated with the project, and information on how to work on the project as a construction worker or as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
A new logo has also been created depicting the core principals and features of the project and the Community Grid – livability, connectivity, Business Loop 81, and high-speed traffic on Interstate 81 – combined with the skyline of the City of Syracuse. The new logo will be used in all communications and community engagement going forward.
“New York is the only state that has boldly embraced the urgent need to reconnect communities with a historic five simultaneous mega projects that will right the wrongs of the past,” Governor Hochul said. “As a central part of our efforts, the Interstate 81 Viaduct Project will serve as a national example of how thoughtful infrastructure can bring people together, promote growth, and increase prosperity for all communities. With this groundbreaking, we are beginning to weave back together the neighborhoods that were torn apart decades ago – healing the wounds that have festered for far too long and creating more livable, affordable, and sustainable communities.”
Senator Chuck Schumer said, “Syracuse, put on your hard hats and get your shovels out, the transformation of I-81 begins today! Our infrastructure should connect, not divide our communities and the transformation of I-81 will lay the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future for all of Syracuse. When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act to passage, I did so with projects like Syracuse’s I-81 transformation as my north star. Now, with shovels officially in the ground the federal funding can start flowing, creating thousands of good-paying union construction jobs, hired from here in the community, to reconnect Syracuse and bring more opportunity to residents across the city. I thank Governor Hochul and Mayor Walsh for their partnership and leadership on this vital effort.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “After years of relentless advocacy, I’m so excited to finally see the groundbreaking of the I-81 project. This will be transformative for the City of Syracuse and the region as a whole. I am proud to have fought to secure longtime priorities of mine in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide the resources needed to help revitalize and reconnect Syracuse, and I will keep working to see this project through.”
Senior Advisor to President Biden and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu said, “I-81’s construction created an unjust and longstanding barrier to healthcare, economic and educational opportunities for families in Syracuse. Now, thanks to funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re righting these wrongs of the past, improving safety, revitalizing the area for economic development, and creating good-paying union jobs that can support a family. As we work together with Governor Hochul and federal, state, and local leaders to rebuild our infrastructure better than ever before, we are ensuring a safer, more equitable future for communities across New York.”
