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Significant progress has been made on the Interstate 81 Viaduct project in Syracuse, as a new connection between I-81 and Interstate 481 is now open to traffic. This development allows vehicles to transition between the highways at higher speeds, with a posted speed limit of 65 miles per hour. This change is part of New York State's ambitious $2.25 billion plan to dismantle the elevated portion of I-81 in Syracuse.
According to Syracuse.com, the state plans to close part of the elevated highway by the end of 2026, with the rest expected to come down in 2027 and 2028. The project aims to replace the 1.4-mile elevated overpass with a surface-level community grid, enhancing mobility and improving access to key destinations like Syracuse University and area hospitals.
The project, which began with an official groundbreaking in July 2023, is one of the largest construction endeavors undertaken by New York State in partnership with the federal government. The Watts Architecture & Engineering firm is providing environmental assessment services for the project, which includes creating a new Business Loop 81 to distribute traffic and improve mobility throughout Central New York.
Construction will soon begin on a new I-81 off-ramp to East Colvin Street, expected to be completed by the end of the year. This will provide direct access to South Campus and the John A. Lally Athletics Complex. The project also includes adding sidewalks, bike lanes, and improved lighting along North Clinton Street.
As the project progresses, the state plans to award bids for reworking the stretch of I-690 from Leavenworth to Forman avenues later this year. The final steps of the project are expected to begin in 2027 and 2028, which will involve tearing down the rest of the highway and rebuilding Almond Street from Burt Street to Burnet Avenue.