Governor Kathy Hochul announced the opening of new entrance and exit ramps along Interstate 81 southbound at North Clinton Street in Syracuse, enhancing access to the city’s Northside and Inner Harbor. The announcement also included the opening of the new Spencer Street bridge, which features improved bicycle and pedestrian pathways and provides a direct connection between the Northside and Inner Harbor.
The new ramps simplify highway access, reduce merge points, and provide direct connections to local businesses, residences, and key destinations, including Destiny USA, Franklin Square, and downtown Syracuse. With the new ramps in place, the Spencer Street/Catawba Street off-ramp and the Genant Drive on-ramp to I-81 southbound have been closed.
The rebuilt Spencer Street bridge is over 30 feet longer than the previous structure and includes ten-foot-wide sidewalks on the south side and a shared-use path on the north side. The bridge connects Northside neighborhoods, medical facilities such as St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, local landmarks including the Central New York Regional Market and NBT Bank Stadium, and the city’s waterfront with its restaurants, shops, and community events. New lighting on the bridge improves visibility and safety for all users.
Ongoing and future projects in the area are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. These include the construction of the Bear and Court Street bridges, reconstruction of North Clinton Street and West Bear Street, modifications to the Spencer Street and West Bear Street on-ramps to I-690 westbound, and improved access to the Empire State Trail.
These improvements are part of the larger Interstate 81 Viaduct Project, the largest construction effort ever undertaken by the New York State Department of Transportation, aimed at enhancing connectivity, mobility, and access throughout Central New York.
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