SYRACUSE, N.Y. — New York transportation officials have announced the completion of major interchange reconstruction work connecting Interstate 81 and Interstate 481 in Onondaga County, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to transform Syracuse’s transportation network.
The newly completed interchanges represent one of the most important steps in the state’s plan to remove the aging Interstate 81 viaduct and replace it with a modern street-level transportation system designed to reconnect neighborhoods and improve mobility throughout Central New York.
According to the New York State Department of Transportation, all major infrastructure associated with the future Interstate 81 and Business Loop 81 connections has now been reopened in both the City of Syracuse and the Town of Cicero. The work was completed as part of the first two construction contracts under the larger I-81 Viaduct Project.
The multibillion-dollar initiative is the largest transportation project ever undertaken by the department. Its primary goal is to remove the 1.4-mile elevated highway structure that has divided Syracuse communities for more than six decades and replace it with a community-focused transportation network.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the project reflects New York’s broader effort to reconnect communities that were disrupted by highway construction in previous generations.
“The modernization of the northern and southern interchanges creates a more connected transportation system and prepares the way for the eventual removal of the viaduct,” Hochul said.
One of the key accomplishments is the reopening of the redesigned southern interchange in Syracuse. The new alignment provides direct access from Interstate 81 southbound to Interstate 481 northbound through Exit 1A, improving travel for motorists heading toward eastern suburbs such as DeWitt, Fayetteville, Manlius, and Cazenovia.
Transportation officials said the redesigned infrastructure also establishes the future routing for Interstate 81 traffic and Business Loop 81, which will eventually guide local traffic into downtown Syracuse through the planned Community Grid system.
Additional improvements include the reconstruction of the East Glen Avenue interchange, which provides better access to the Southside and Valley neighborhoods as well as nearby hospitals, universities, and commercial districts.
As part of the project, crews rebuilt the East Brighton Avenue bridges and installed two modern roundabouts to replace traditional signalized intersections. Officials say the roundabouts will improve traffic flow while enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists through dedicated crossings and shared-use pathways.
North of Syracuse, construction of the northern interchange in Cicero has also been completed. A newly constructed flyover bridge now provides a direct connection from future Business Loop 81 northbound to Interstate 81 northbound. The improvement is expected to benefit commuters traveling between downtown Syracuse, suburban communities, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez described the milestone as an important achievement for both the city and the surrounding region.
“What was once a vision is now a reality,” Dominguez said. “The I-81 project is helping drive a new era of growth and opportunity for Syracuse and Central New York.”
Construction on the broader I-81 Viaduct Project officially began in 2023 following years of planning, environmental review, and public engagement. The southern interchange contract carried a value of approximately $140 million, while the northern interchange improvements totaled about $226.5 million.
State officials say the completed interchange upgrades provide the foundation for future phases of the project, including the eventual demolition of the viaduct and the construction of the Community Grid. The new street-level network is intended to improve connectivity, reduce barriers between neighborhoods, and distribute traffic more efficiently throughout the city.
Work on additional phases of the I-81 transformation is expected to continue over the coming years as Syracuse moves closer to one of the most significant urban infrastructure changes in its history.
