Governor Hochul touts $18M infrastructure upgrade to ease travel in Central New York

New York – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the completion of a key piece of infrastructure tied to the sweeping Interstate 81 Viaduct Project, marking a major step forward for one of Central New York’s most ambitious transportation overhauls. The newly constructed flyover ramp, a $18 million component of the project, is set to open to traffic this afternoon in the Town of Cicero.

This latest development will provide a critical new route for drivers heading from the future Business Loop 81 northbound onto Interstate 81 northbound. Spanning over the I-81 mainline, the half-mile ramp is designed to streamline travel to Onondaga County’s northern suburbs, Oswego County, and even as far as the North Country and Canada.

“Transformation is happening in Central New York, and the I-81 Viaduct Project is leading the way,” Governor Hochul said. “Shifting traffic onto this modern piece of infrastructure moves us closer to the end goal of removing the aging viaduct, reconnecting the City of Syracuse and creating additional access points that will help alleviate congestion, and enhance safety and mobility for tens of thousands of commuters, residents and visitors.”

The ramp lies within the scope of the first of eight contracts making up the overall project. This initial phase focuses on overhauling the northern interchange where I-481 and I-81 intersect, transitioning the area into the newly re-designated I-81 and Business Loop 81. Alongside this first flyover, work is also underway on a second flyover structure, which will create a bypass around downtown Syracuse. That route will connect I-81 northbound with State Route 481 northbound, ensuring uninterrupted access for drivers heading to growing communities in Fulton, Oswego, and beyond.

Concrete noise barriers will be installed along the northeast edge of the new ramp to help reduce sound impact on nearby areas.

With all five contracts in Phase I now under construction, the project is rapidly moving forward. The northern interchange is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, bringing the state even closer to its goal of transforming how residents and visitors travel through Syracuse.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez praised the progress, calling it a testament to Governor Hochul’s leadership. “New York State is taking unprecedented steps toward transforming transportation networks statewide, and undertakings like the I-81 Viaduct Project would not be possible without Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership and vision,” she said.

The I-81 Viaduct Project is part of New York’s broader $34.3 billion, five-year capital plan for infrastructure, which supports modernization, equity, and environmentally conscious development. Backed by a blend of state and federal funding, the project is a cornerstone in the Governor’s mission to build a more connected and resilient New York.