New York Construction Report staff writer
New renderings have been released, showing access enhancements for the Inner Harbor and Northside in Syracuse, as part of the I-81 Viaduct Project’s third contract. The six renderings highlight improvements to North Clinton Street, new bridges along Bear, Court, and Spencer Streets, and enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting the Northside to the Empire State Trail.
“We are fulfilling our promise to reconnect communities across New York State and in Syracuse,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “These renderings showcase the exciting future of the Northside of Syracuse and Inner Harbor neighborhoods, with improved access and safety for both the highway and new pedestrian and cyclist paths.”
A rebuilt North Clinton Street featuring new pavement, sidewalks, a shared-use path, and on-and-off ramps for the future Business Loop 81.
Also three new bridges will be built on Bear, Court, and Spencer streets. These longer structures will accommodate the expanded future Business Loop 81 and will include new sidewalks. Additionally, a shared-use path will be integrated into the Court and Spencer street bridges.
Pedestrians and cyclists will benefit from a new shared-use path north of West Bear Street, improving access to the Empire State Trail. One rendering shows the existing shared-use path along the Empire State Trail, south of West Bear Street, upgraded with amenities such as a bike repair station, bike racks, and seating.
Contract three of the I-81 Viaduct Project, currently under construction in the Inner Harbor and Northside, extends the ongoing work at the northern and southern interchanges of Interstates 81 and 481.
Major construction on contract one in the northern interchange of I-81 and I-481, and contract two in the southern interchange, has been ongoing for over a year.
The I-81 Viaduct Project aims to replace a 1.4-mile stretch of elevated highway that has long divided Syracuse. The dismantling of the viaduct and construction of a Community Grid will reconnect neighborhoods, modernize infrastructure, enhance safe access to Downtown Syracuse for motorists, and improve mobility for pedestrians and cyclists.
“The I-81 Viaduct Project is transforming Syracuse’s infrastructure with safe, equitable, and multi-modal changes,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “Northside residents will gain new bike and pedestrian opportunities, safer access to future Business Loop 81 and the Inner Harbor, and a reliable transportation network enhancing public safety and quality of life.”
