Tagged: infrastructure

Transportation planners have narrowed the future of Interstate 81’s path through downtown Syracuse down to two likely options: rebuild, or re-route. 

They hosted another in a series of public forums Tuesday, known as The I-81 Challenge, to display the ideas. But a final decision is still years away.

The 1.4 mile elevated portion of 81 through the heart of the city, known as the viaduct, is nearing the end its lifespan. It's in need of near constant repair.

Rep. Brian Higgins (NY-27) says the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will conduct a cost-benefit analysis of alternatives to the Buffalo Skyway.

The NYSDOT says rehabilitating the 55-year-old bridge will cost more than $100 million over the next 20 years.  Higgins and others have advocated tearing down the elevated structure for years, saying the costs associated with maintaining it should be put to better use.