Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the redesigned Interstate 481 off-ramp to Exit 3 (DeWitt) officially reopened Monday afternoon, marking another milestone in the I-81 Viaduct Project. The upgraded ramp features a streamlined layout, new turning lanes, and improved traffic flow, benefiting tens of thousands of motorists traveling to and from DeWitt, Fayetteville, and Manlius.
“The I-81 Viaduct Project will not only remove an aging highway that has long divided downtown Syracuse, it will also create safer, more efficient connections across Central New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The redesigned Exit 3 is the latest improvement in this historic project, which will transform the region’s transportation network and support future growth.”
The new Exit 3 combines two former ramps into one, with a two-lane southbound off-ramp that expands to four lanes at the signalized intersection. Three lanes allow left turns onto State Routes 5 and 92 eastbound toward Fayetteville and Manlius, while a dedicated right-turn lane directs traffic westbound toward DeWitt. The redesign also reduces backups on I-481 northbound and minimizes sudden lane changes for safer driving.
The previous Exit 3E ramp to Fayetteville and Manlius has been removed and replaced with landscaping. Other improvements include a longer northbound on-ramp from State Routes 5 and 92 westbound to allow additional merge time and lane expansions at Lyndon Corners to ease traffic flow toward Manlius.
The I-81 Viaduct Project, part of Governor Hochul’s $34.3 billion, five-year NYSDOT Capital Plan, aims to reconnect communities, expand multi-modal transportation options, and enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Funding comes from a combination of federal and state sources.
Monday’s reopening of Exit 3 represents one of the many steps toward completing the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the New York State Department of Transportation, reshaping traffic patterns and improving connectivity throughout Central New York.
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