The pieces are coming together for projects aimed at improving transportation infrastructure in Syracuse’s old 15th Ward once the I-81 viaduct is torn down. Common councilors Monday are expected to approve a half million-dollar agreement with a consultant to look at the most effective ways to reconnect the neighborhoods divided by the elevated highway and railroad bridge. The city’s I-81 project director Joe Driscoll told councilors the area is bound by Adams, Taylor, Colvin, and Martin Luther King Drive.
“Particularly pedestrian and bike infrastructure, but any way to increase connectivity for the South side to the university," Driscoll said. "So in a post-81 world, the south side residents will have better connection to downtown, better connections to the university.”
Driscoll says the total cost of the planning services is covered by federal grants, so the city isn’t paying a dime. Meanwhile, councilors are also being asked to approve a $300,000 dollar agreement with the state department of transportation on preliminary design of another part of the Reconnecting Communities project. City engineer Mary Robison says the focus area is between East Adams, South State, Burt, and Almond Streets.
“It includes Street improvements, paving, sidewalks, trees, lighting, pedestrian improvements, bike lanes and utility improvements, as well as sewer and water,” Robison told councilors.
Like the other design plan, the cost is being reimbursed by the federal government.
