I-81

Crews can still do a variety of work in the cold except pour concrete for bridge decks.

Lane closures on I-81 southbound and northbound in Syracuse have begun, causing traffic delays during bridge work and inspections.

DOT officials call Contract Four a "preparatory contract" to accommodate new traffic patterns when the I-81 viaduct is removed and replaced with Business Loop 81. An open house is being held Thursday.

The skills translate beyond the highway project, and can be applied to upcoming construction projects such as Micron's chip fab plant.

For example, the department of labor recently opened a jobseeker intake form to streamline the the hiring process.

The State Departments of Labor and Transportation are highlighting success with local hiring, ensuring city residents have the opportunity to work on the $2.25 billion project.

Residents on Fillmore Ave. are used to people cutting through Loretto from S. Salina Street or E. Glen Ave. But the volume has increased dramatically since construction has tied up traffic on nearby E. Brighton Ave. and the highway.

I-690 eastbound will be reduced to two lanes starting Monday between I-81 and Teall Ave. for construction of a new interchange with Crouse and Irving Aves.

New York State has awarded the next contract for the I-81 project, focusing on the beginnings of the community grid on Syracuse’s east side, including a new interchange at I-690 westbound at Crouse Avenue and improvements to University Hill connections.

This phase of the I-81 project is the first to take place in the heart of Syracuse.