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Yesterday Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the signing of the formal Record of Decision for the Interstate 81 Viaduct Project in Syracuse.
This will allow the Community Grid Alternative to proceed with construction beginning this fall.
As part of the $2.25 billion project, the existing elevated structure that has divided the City of Syracuse for decades and disproportionately impacted residents of color will be replaced by a new Business Loop 81 with an integrated Community Grid that will disperse traffic along local north-south and east-west streets. Portions of Interstates 481 and 690 will also be reconstructed to accommodate high speed traffic going around and through the city.
“This is a new day for the City of Syracuse, one that’s been decades in the making and one that will change the trajectory of Central New York for generations,” Governor Hochul said. “The I-81 Viaduct Project gives us an historic opportunity to correct an enduring injustice, and we are boldly embracing this opportunity so we can reconnect neighborhoods and revitalize Central New York communities. With full concurrence secured on the Record of Decision, we are ready to move forward with shovels in the ground this fall and deliver on the infrastructure and opportunities that residents of Central New York deserve. I thank the Biden Administration and my colleagues in government for working collaboratively on this transformative project, and for their continued commitment to advancing infrastructure that will help lift up New York’s urban communities.”
