A new entrance ramp from North Crouse Avenue to Interstate 690 eastbound is now open to traffic in Syracuse, marking another milestone in the ongoing I-81 Viaduct Project. The ramp is the first of several new connections built as part of the street-level Community Grid, which is replacing the elevated I-81 highway through downtown. The goal of the project is to improve traffic flow and reconnect neighborhoods long divided by the viaduct.
The new on-ramp was constructed under contract four of the project, which also includes the reconstruction of Crouse and Irving Avenues and additional new ramps to and from I-690. This latest connection provides direct access for drivers traveling from downtown Syracuse toward the eastern suburbs of Onondaga County.
With the opening of the North Crouse Avenue ramp, the North McBride Street on-ramp has been permanently closed. Drivers heading to I-690 eastbound from downtown are encouraged to continue on Erie Boulevard East, turn north on North Crouse Avenue, and use the new ramp.
Contract four also includes:
- Extending and modifying Irving Avenue to support traffic to University Hill
- Realigning I-690 at the new Crouse Avenue interchange
- Replacing bridges on I-690 over Lodi Street and Crouse Avenue
- Reconstructing and resurfacing several city streets, including parts of Erie Boulevard, Burnet and Walnut Avenues, East Fayette, Canal, Lodi, and East Water Streets
- Adding ADA-accessible pedestrian and cyclist features, such as bike lanes, shared-use paths, new sidewalks, and crosswalks
- Upgrading traffic signals for improved safety and fewer red-light violations
- Installing noise barriers along I-690 near key intersections
Future phases will introduce additional ramps, including an off-ramp from I-690 westbound to Burnet Avenue, an off-ramp from I-690 eastbound to Irving Avenue, and an on-ramp from Burnet Avenue. These improvements will further enhance access to University Hill and surrounding neighborhoods.
The I-81 Viaduct Project is part of New York State’s broader effort to modernize infrastructure, enhance safety, and expand transportation options across the region. The work is supported through both state and federal funding.
