New York Construction Report staff writer
A major piece of the transformative Interstate 81 Viaduct Project is now in place with the completion and opening of a new $18 million flyover ramp in the Town of Cicero. The newly constructed ramp, which passes over the mainline of I-81, will begin carrying traffic this afternoon from the future Business Loop 81 northbound to Interstate 81 northbound.
The contractor for this segment — including the new flyover — is Salt City Constructors, a joint venture with:
- Cold Spring Construction Co.
- Lancaster Development
- D.A. Collins Construction Co.
This milestone marks the first significant structural element completed under the I-81 Viaduct Project’s northern interchange reconstruction — part of the first of eight contracts that make up the larger initiative. The ramp serves as a high-speed connection for travelers heading from Syracuse and its northern suburbs toward Onondaga County, Oswego County, the North Country, and Canada.
Stretching about a half-mile, the new flyover is designed to enhance safety and traffic flow for tens of thousands of daily commuters. It is also a critical component of the larger plan to redesign the Interstate 481/I-81 northern interchange and improve access to growing communities in the region.
As part of the construction, concrete noise barriers will be installed along the northeast side of the flyover to reduce sound impacts in nearby areas.
A second flyover bridge is also under construction to allow traffic on the redesignated I-81 northbound to connect directly with State Route 481 northbound, helping drivers avoid downtown Syracuse and ensuring uninterrupted travel to key destinations in northern Onondaga and Oswego counties.
All five contracts in Phase One of the I-81 Viaduct Project are now in active construction, underscoring the momentum behind this major infrastructure effort. The northern interchange reconstruction — which includes both flyover ramps — remains on track for completion by the end of 2025.
When completed, the I-81 Viaduct Project will replace the aging elevated highway through Syracuse with a modern, community-focused transportation corridor.
