A major infrastructure milestone associated with the transformative Interstate 81 Viaduct Project in Central New York was reached on Tuesday. The new $18 million flyover ramp passes over the mainline of I-81 and carries traffic from future Business Loop 81 northbound to Interstate 81 northbound in the Town of Cicero, opened to traffic destined for the northern suburbs of Onondaga County, Oswego County, the North Country, or Canada.
“Transformation is happening in Central New York, and the I-81 Viaduct Project is leading the way,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Shifting traffic onto this modern piece of infrastructure moves us closer to the end goal of removing the aging viaduct, reconnecting the City of Syracuse and creating additional access points that will help alleviate congestion, and enhance safety and mobility for tens of thousands of commuters, residents, and visitors.”
The direct connect ramp is in the footprint of contract one of eight contracts associated with the I-81 Viaduct Project and focuses on the reconstruction of the existing Interstate 481/I-81 northern interchange to the re-designated I-81 and Business Loop 81. The flyover ramp, approximately one-half mile in length, serves as a high-speed connection for travelers leaving the City of Syracuse and its northern suburbs to I-81 north. Concrete noise barriers will be installed along the northeast side of the bridge along the ramp.
Construction of a second flyover bridge is also underway, creating a connection for motorists to bypass downtown Syracuse utilizing the redesignated I-81 northbound, to State Route 481 northbound, helping to maintain an uninterrupted route to the densely populated and fast-growing communities of northern Onondaga County and the Oswego County cities of Fulton and Oswego.
The northern interchange is on track to be completed by the end of 2025. All five phase one contracts associated with the I-81 Viaduct Project are now in construction, representing a significant benchmark in the project’s progress.
Representative John W. Mannion said, “The opening of the flyover ramp in Cicero is a key moment for the 81 viaduct project and a window into Central New York’s faster and better connected future. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s continued leadership on this transformative work and her commitment to building stronger communities.”
State Senator Rachel May said, “The completion of this flyover bridge marks the first of many significant milestones in the effort to tear down the 81 viaduct, creating a safer, more modern, and equitable roadway in Central New York. The fact that it’s been such a long time coming makes today’s celebration all the more exciting. Thank you to Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez for her leadership and to the many NYSDOT employees, construction workers, and other dedicated professionals who are working to make this project a reality.”
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