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Society, Law & Government 2026-09-23 00:00 UTC edition Story 24 of 24 Gate: passed

New York Awards Contract for Syracuse I-81 Viaduct Removal Project

The state has awarded a $143.5 million contract to begin infrastructure work as part of the plan to replace the elevated highway with a street-level network.

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Syracuse Infrastructure Overhaul

New York is moving forward with the removal of the I-81 viaduct in Syracuse, awarding a $143.5 million contract for major drainage and street work. The project will replace the elevated highway with a street-level network designed to improve local connectivity and stormwater management.[1][2][3]

The Federal Highway Administration approved the formal redesignation of Interstate 481 as the new Interstate 81. At the same time, the existing stretch of Interstate 81 will be converted into Business Loop 81. Drivers should not expect any immediate changes to traffic patterns while the state transition plan is put into place.[4][5][6]

Under Contract 6a, crews will build a mile-long underground trunkline to handle stormwater drainage. The contract also covers the reconstruction of five local streets, totaling 2.5 lane miles of new roadway.[7][8]

Key takeaways

  • The Federal Highway Administration approved the redesignation of I-481 to I-81 and the conversion of existing I-81 to Business Loop 81. 1 source
  • NYSDOT awarded a $143.5 million contract (Contract 6a) for a mile-long stormwater trunkline and local street reconstruction. 1 source

What’s unresolved

  • Specific timeline for the transition of I-481 to I-81
  • Start date for Contract 6a construction

Citations

  1. [1] New York Governor Announces I-81 Viaduct Project Milestones and Contract 6a Award The New York State Department of Transportation awarded a $143.5 million contract (Contract 6a) for the I-81 Viaduct Project. Manifest ID 1790124939650320562 - New York Governor Newsroom - interrogate via MCP
  2. [2] New York Governor Announces I-81 Viaduct Project Milestones and Contract 6a Award The I-81 Viaduct Project aims to remove a 1.4-mile section of elevated highway. Manifest ID 1790124939650320562 - New York Governor Newsroom - interrogate via MCP
  3. [3] New York Governor Announces I-81 Viaduct Project Milestones and Contract 6a Award The project will implement a street-level network known as the Community Grid. Manifest ID 1790124939650320562 - New York Governor Newsroom - interrogate via MCP
  4. [4] New York Governor Announces I-81 Viaduct Project Milestones and Contract 6a Award The Federal Highway Administration approved the formal redesignation of Interstate 481 as the new Interstate 81. Manifest ID 1790124939650320562 - New York Governor Newsroom - interrogate via MCP
  5. [5] New York Governor Announces I-81 Viaduct Project Milestones and Contract 6a Award The Federal Highway Administration approved the conversion of the existing I-81 into Business Loop 81. Manifest ID 1790124939650320562 - New York Governor Newsroom - interrogate via MCP
  6. [6] New York Governor Announces I-81 Viaduct Project Milestones and Contract 6a Award Motorists should not expect any immediate changes to traffic patterns following the redesignation. Manifest ID 1790124939650320562 - New York Governor Newsroom - interrogate via MCP
  7. [7] New York Governor Announces I-81 Viaduct Project Milestones and Contract 6a Award Contract 6a includes the construction of a mile-long underground trunkline to improve stormwater drainage. Manifest ID 1790124939650320562 - New York Governor Newsroom - interrogate via MCP
  8. [8] New York Governor Announces I-81 Viaduct Project Milestones and Contract 6a Award Contract 6a includes the reconstruction of five local streets totaling 2.5 lane miles. Manifest ID 1790124939650320562 - New York Governor Newsroom - interrogate via MCP