SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Neighbors of the I-81 viaduct project visited the Palladian Hall and Treasury in downtown Syracuse to learn about the project's second phase Thursday Night.
Franklin Square resident Arianna Abrams says she came because the project will affect her neighborhood. “I know that there needs to be changed in order to make things a little bit better for transportation in the city,” Abrams said. “So I knew it was going to be a good thing, but also a little bit of anxiety for all of that change.”
The open house focused on two major contracts. Contract 6, awarded in July, covers the reconstruction and realignment of I-690 in both directions between Leavenworth Avenue and North Crouse Avenue. It also includes new connections between Business Loop 81 and I-690, a full interchange at North Crouse and Irving avenues, and a street-level intersection at West and West Genesee streets. Crews will also work on 25 local streets, replacing sewer and water lines, lighting and sidewalks, and adding shared-use paths and trees.
Officials also previewed a future detour. Eastbound I-690 traffic would be rerouted onto city streets starting in late 2027, for about two years.
The second contract, 6a, was awarded in September. It includes a large concrete stormwater pipe that will run beneath Almond, East Water and State streets, Erie Boulevard, Salina Street and Herald Place. The goal is to separate stormwater from sewage, reduce flooding on the highway, and limit sewer overflows into Onondaga Creek and Onondaga Lake.
Drivers will feel changes much sooner. Several parts of the interstate are closing for good this month as the project shifts traffic toward the community grid.
On Nov. 16, the connection from northbound I-81 to I-690 east closes permanently. Drivers will no longer be able to make that direct transition.
Also closing permanently in November are the East Adams Street ramp to northbound I-81 and eastbound I-690, and the I-81 off-ramp to Franklin and West streets, known as Exit 20. The ramp from North Franklin Street to North West Street will close for good as well.
One more closure is temporary. The I-690 west ramp to West Street, Exit 15A, will be shut for several years during construction. It is planned to reopen eventually with a new design.
This piece was edited by WAER's Scott Willis and Brycen Pace.
