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Progress is being made on the Interstate 81 Viaduct project in Syracuse, with new infrastructure developments enhancing connectivity and accessibility in the area. New entrance and exit ramps along I-81 southbound at North Clinton Street have opened, providing improved access to the Northside and Inner Harbor. The new Spencer Street bridge, featuring enhanced pedestrian and bicyclist amenities, is also now open, offering a direct connection between these areas. This project is the largest ever undertaken by the State Department of Transportation.
According to Governor Kathy Hochul, the project's goal is to strengthen community connections in Central New York. The new ramps and bridge are designed to create easy-to-navigate gateways, improving access for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The project is part of a broader effort to modernize infrastructure across New York State, funded by a mix of federal and state resources.
The I-81 Viaduct Project aims to transform transportation in Syracuse by increasing connectivity and mobility. The project includes plans to remove the elevated highway, which has long been a barrier to community integration. The new Spencer Street bridge is 30 feet longer than its predecessor and features wider sidewalks and a shared use path, enhancing safety and accessibility.
The City of Syracuse has also received a Reconnecting Communities planning grant to address inequities and improve connectivity between neighborhoods affected by the original I-81 construction. This effort will coincide with the I-81 Viaduct Project, focusing on enhancing east-west connectivity through the city.
The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, bringing significant improvements to the transportation infrastructure in Syracuse and fostering greater community integration.
