New York state has awarded the next contract for the I-81 project that includes the beginnings of the community grid on the city’s east side. Contract Four as it’s called will provide improved connections to University Hill from the north, including a new interchange at I-690 westbound at Crouse Avenue, where it will be expanded to three lanes.
A block over, Irving Avenue will be rebuilt, widened, and extended to Erie Boulevard East from its current dead-end at Fayette Street. The contract also includes major upgrades on the city and county’s drainage system to separate rainwater runoff from sewage flow. A large sewer line will be installed on Erie Boulevard East between Almond and University Avenue.
Meanwhile, work continues on contracts one and two at the interchanges with I-481, and construction just began on contract three near the Inner Harbor, which includes removing and rebuilding three bridges over the highway, as well as reconstructing numerous adjacent north side streets.