A second flyover ramp connecting Interstate 481 northbound (future I-81) to State Route 481 northbound in Cicero opened on Friday as part of the I-81 Viaduct Project, the largest infrastructure project in the history of the State Department of Transportation. This second flyover bridge is the final connection for motorists traveling on future I-81 northbound to bypass downtown Syracuse from the south, 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 I-81 Viaduct Project is about transforming the City of Syracuse and Central New York — ushering a new era of connectivity and community,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “With summer in full swing, construction is ramping up on all five phase one contracts, laying a foundation for the eventual rebirth of downtown Syracuse and building a better future for New Yorkers.”
The opening of this $9 million ramp represents the second major segment of transportation infrastructure completed and operational as part of the new northern interchange of the I-81 Viaduct Project, and follows the completion of the first flyover ramp in Cicero in May.
With the new flyover ramp from Interstate 481 northbound to State Route 481 now open, construction on concrete noise barriers will continue to be installed along the approach on the right side of the ramp. Traffic traveling on Interstate 481 northbound to Clay, Fulton, or Oswego must use the two right lanes for Exit 96 (State Route 481/I-81 south) to continue on State Route 481 north. Alternatively, traffic traveling northbound on I-481 to I-81 north, toward Watertown, must use the two left lanes and take Exit 9N.
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.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
