Drivers using Interstates 81 and 690 in Syracuse have no doubt noticed more pieces of the massive project taking shape. But as progress continues, what can drivers expect?
Let’s start on I-690, where many drivers have likely been stuck in back-ups during peak hours approaching the I-81 interchange.
“What people will experience soon is we'll be shifting traffic," said Elizabeth Parmley, New York State Department of Transportation regional director. "So if you've driven on 690 westbound, you've seen that we've been building in the middle and that's to transition people over so then we can start building the westbound side. So we kind of did it in parts.”
She said it should be completed sometime next year, along with the new I-690 westbound off-ramp to Crouse Avenue.
On I-81 itself, Parmley said crews are starting to wrap up parts of the roundabout at Almond and Van Buren Streets near the Veterans Administration and Syracuse University campuses.
“You can see the concrete that's been placed. We've also started building Business Loop 81," she said. "So as you're traveling on I-81 northbound into the city and you look to the right, you can see the concrete of the future Business Loop 81 northbound.”
That's the community grid boulevard replacing the viaduct.
Parmley said Van Buren Street should reopen later this fall, easing congestion on University Hill, and the roundabout is expected to be partially operational as well.
Meanwhile, crews continue working on I-81just north of the I-690 interchange, and Parmley said the bulk of that project should wrap up by year’s end.
