AASHTO Journal - NYSDOT Begins Phase Two of I-81 Viaduct Project

The New York State Department of Transportation recently began the second and final phase of the I-81 Viaduct Project; awarding a $2.1 billion contract – the sixth contract award for this project – that covers the reconstruction and realignment of a key stretch of I-69; the rehabilitation of 25 local streets in Syracuse, NY; and the buildout of new, easy-to-navigate access points to Syracuse’s city center area.

[Above photo by NYSDOT]

The overall focus of the I-81 Viaduct Project is the removal of 1.4 miles of outdated elevated highway infrastructure and the construction of a new transportation network called a “Community Grid” that will reconnect long-divided communities within the City of Syracuse while improving access for all travelers – pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike – to key downtown locations.

Marie Therese Dominguez. Photo by NYSDOT.

“As phase two of the I-81 Viaduct Project commences, Syracuse is propelled another step closer to connectivity, and a safer, more equitable transportation network for all,” explained Marie Therese Dominguez, NYSDOT commissioner, in a statement.

NYSDOT noted that phase one of this project, which began in the spring of 2023, focused largely on improvements needed for the redesignation of I-481 as the new I-81 and to keep traffic moving during removal of the viaduct.

This included the reconstruction of the northern and southern interchanges of Interstate 481 and I-81, as well as the preliminary work to create what will become Business Loop 81.

Phase two’s focus will be on dismantling the viaduct and creating new infrastructure that will support the Community Grid.

This phase – which also includes the installation of new decorative lighting, sidewalks, shared use paths, and trees –begins with contract six, which is centered around the reconstruction of I-690 in both directions from Leavenworth Avenue on Syracuse’s near Westside, to North Crouse Avenue, on the city’s Eastside.

Fifteen lane miles of this crucial east-west artery will be removed and rebuilt in a similar alignment to accommodate its connections with future Business Loop 81 and a full interchange at North Crouse and Irving Avenues.

Meanwhile, the agency said the ramps currently linking I-81 and I-690 will be closed and removed to make way for the construction of new ramps, bridges and retaining walls that will be part of the new interchanges between the future Business Loop 81 and I-690.