The State Department of Transportation is starting construction on a number of key intersections in Clay, Cicero, and North Syracuse aimed at easing congestion and improving safety.
They include dedicated left turn lanes at the intersection of Route 31 and Caughdenoy Road near the Micron site, as well as numerous ramp upgrades at various points along state route 481 and I-81. Other areas include U.S Route 11, Soule Road, Lakeshore Road, and Bear Road, where backups and delays are common during peak hours.
The $7 million dollar project should be completed by fall.
Here's the DOT's summary of the projects:
State Route 481 Northbound Off-Ramp to State Route 31 – Drone Image 1 Here and Drone Image 2 Here:
Construction is underway in the Town of Clay, where modifications are being made to the State Route 481 northbound off-ramp to State Route 31. The existing one-lane off-ramp will become two-lanes, improving traffic flow, and preventing backups onto the highway. This heavily-traveled exit connects drivers traveling westbound on State Route 31 to a thriving mixed-use corridor, lined with a variety of dining and retail options, to local neighborhoods off Soule Road, and further west, to the Village of Baldwinsville. State Route 31 eastbound leads drivers to a rapidly growing stretch of rural roadway on the eastern edge of the Town of Clay, that connects to the Town of Cicero.
Soule Road On-Ramp to State 481 Southbound – Drone Image Here:
In the spring of 2026, work begins on the southbound side of State Route 481, where changes will be made at the Soule Road on-ramp to State Route 481 southbound. This significant artery not only connects traffic to the highway, but services northbound traffic on Soule Road, destined for the State Route 31 corridor, and southbound traffic, destined for housing developments and County Route 57 (Oswego Road). The on-ramp will be converted to two-lanes, merging into one-lane as it approaches the entrance to State Route 481 southbound.
Crabtree Lane at U.S. Route 11 and State Route 31 – Drone Image 1 Here and Drone Image 2 Here:
Just to the east of the Town of Clay, in the Town of Cicero, major changes are planned along Crabtree Lane at both its intersections with U.S. Route 11 and State Route 31 to help reduce congestion near the overburdened Interstate 81 interchange. Modifications to Crabtree Lane, between U.S. Route 11 and State Route 31, include:
· Installing a traffic island to prevent vehicles from making a left turn onto U.S. Route 11 southbound from Crabtree Lane
· Transforming Crabtree Lane into a no-outlet roadway where it intersects with State Route 31
· Constructing a new crosswalk along the east side of U.S. Route 11 at Crabtree Lane
State Route 31 at Interstate 81 Southbound On-Ramp – Drone Image Here:
After Crabtree Lane becomes a closed-end street at State Route 31, construction will begin on a dedicated right-turn only slip ramp from State Route 31 eastbound to the I-81 southbound on-ramp. The new configuration will add a second lane to the on-ramp, creating more room for vehicles entering the highway, and improving traffic flow for motorists bypassing the interchange to travel eastbound on State Route 31. Additionally, a new crosswalk along the south side of State Route 31 will be constructed and include two rectangular rapid flashing beacons, providing safer opportunities for foot traffic to cross the roadway in this active commercial hub.
Lakeshore Road at State Route 31:
A short distance east on State Route 31, the Lakeshore Road intersection will also be restructured, making it safer and more efficient for traffic entering or leaving this roadway, densely populated with residential neighborhoods. This work includes:
· Installing a new traffic signal with video detection
· Modifying southbound Lakeshore Road at Lakeshore Road spur to include a dedicated left-turn only lane
· Installing a new crosswalk on the north side of State Route 31 at Lakeshore Road
U.S. Route 11 at Bear Road – Drone Image Here:
Just to the south, in the Town of Cicero and Village of North Syracuse, another high-traffic intersection is also being transformed. On U.S. Route 11 southbound, at Bear Road, the existing four lanes, along this restaurant lined roadway, will be reconfigured and restriped, creating two dedicated left turn lanes for traffic heading eastbound on Bear Road, one through lane for traffic going toward North and South Main Street in the Village of North Syracuse, and one right only turn lane, for traffic heading westbound on Bear Road.
Bear Road On-Ramp to Interstate 481 Southbound – Drone Image Here:
NYSDOT is using its right-of-way to add a third lane along Bear Road eastbound, between U.S. Route 11 and the on-and-off ramps to State Route 481, to accommodate the two new turn lanes from U.S. Route 11, streamlining traffic, reducing congestion, and making it safer for everyone traveling in this fast-growing area. Additional modifications on Bear Road at the intersection with State Route 481 southbound include:
· Two new left turn lanes for eastbound traffic on Bear Road entering the ramp to State Route 481 southbound
· Adding a second lane to the I-481 southbound on-ramp to accommodate additional lanes on Bear Road
· Removing slip ramp from Bear Road westbound to State Route 481 southbound, with westbound traffic required to turn right at the traffic signal
