Interstate 81 southbound at the southern interchange in Syracuse is now open to traffic, as part of the I-81 Viaduct Project. Governor Kathy Hochul announced this development, highlighting it as a significant step in what is described as the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the State Department of Transportation.
The new connection allows drivers moving from I-481 southbound to transition onto I-81 southbound without interruption, aiming to keep vehicles traveling at highway speeds. This change is intended to improve travel efficiency along a key corridor in Central New York.
“Each piece of new infrastructure that opens on Interstate 81 represents real, tangible progress towards the promise of finally removing the elevated highway that has divided the City of Syracuse for decades,” Governor Hochul said. “The I-81 Viaduct Project is a once in a generation opportunity to reconnect Syracuse and right the wrongs of the past, strengthening the transportation network, creating safer, better access to key destinations, and fostering new opportunities for growth. The opening of the southbound interchange is an important milestone in the historic transformation of Central New York and a win for every person who lives, works or visits this community.”
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez stated: “The I-81 Viaduct Project is driving growth in Central New York, bringing a newfound optimism to the City of Syracuse while fundamentally transforming the way people move in and around Central New York for the better. The opening of the southbound interchange is a critical turning point for this project — leading to a number of major milestones in the near future. While the I-81 Viaduct Project will not erase the harm done to the City of Syracuse generations ago, it will help catapult the City into the future by modernizing key infrastructure and easing commutes for motorists who rely on these key routes every day.”
According to state officials, this updated route serves travelers leaving Oswego and Fulton or northern Onondaga County via State Route and Interstate 481 who are headed toward southern Onondaga County towns such as Lafayette and Tully or cities including Cortland, Ithaca, and Binghamton. By offering direct connections through Syracuse’s Valley neighborhood, officials expect reduced congestion during peak hours along I-481 southbound by eliminating previous detours.
A $5.5 million bridge was built within this new alignment using a triple-decker design positioned above two other junctions. The bridge includes features such as a snow fence designed to limit wind impact and reduce snow accumulation on its surface.
Additionally, an off-ramp from I-81 northbound to East Glen Avenue has opened—providing improved access between neighborhoods on Syracuse’s Southside and Town of Onondaga with direct links via two roundabouts on East Brighton Avenue.
This phase replaces an older loop ramp that closed permanently in August 2025.
The overall project aligns with Governor Hochul’s broader strategy to upgrade statewide infrastructure through initiatives like NYSDOT’s five-year $34.4 billion capital plan funded by federal and state sources.
In February 2025, Governor Hochul also launched an app called I-81 Connect which provides real-time updates about construction progress and travel alerts for residents in Central New York.
Senator Charles Schumer commented: “With the opening of the I-81 southbound, we are closer than ever to tearing down the I-81 viaduct and realizing the dream of a reconnected Syracuse with better mobility, a more thriving downtown, more green space and modern transportation options for all. When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage, I did so with job-creating and community-improving projects like Syracuse’s I-81 transformation as my north star. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s and Mayor Walsh’s partnership in putting this federal funding to good use, building the better, brighter, safer and more connected future that Syracuse deserves.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “The opening of I-81 Southbound is a win for the city of Syracuse and all of Central New York,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Travelers in Syracuse deserve modern infrastructure that enhances safety, improves traffic flow, and fosters connectivity. I’m proud to have secured the federal dollars to make this project possible and will keep fighting to deliver investments that strengthen transportation infrastructure in New York.”
Representative John W. Mannion added: “Removing the old and outdated elevated I-81 highway is reconnecting Syracuse neighborhoods and drivingthe infrastructure investments our region needs to keep moving forward. The new southbound connection is another important milestone — strengthening our transportation network, improving safetyand qualityof life,and positioningCentralNewYorkfor theeconomicgrowth ahead,includ ingthehistoricMicroninvestmentthatwillbringnewjobsandopportunity.I’ mgratefultoGovernorHochulandourstatepartnersforcontinuingtomakeprogressonthisgenerationalproject.”
Assemblymember William Magnarelli remarked: “I am pleased to see this critical partof t heI -8 1p rojectcompleted.Theopeningofthenewsouthboun dconnectionwillalleviatetrafficandimprovetraveltimestothesouthofSyracuse.ThisisimportantforresidentsintheSyracuseValleyNeighborhoodandthesouthernOnondagatowns.”
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter noted: “TheI -8 1ViaductProjectrepresentsaonce-in-a-generationinvestmentinCentralNewYork’ sinfrastructureandfuture.Theopeningofthisnewsouthboun dconnectionwillhelpeasecongestion ,improvesafety,andmakeiteasierforresidents ,commuters,andvisitorstotravelthroughoutourregion.I ’mgratefultoGovernorHochulandtheDepartmentofTransportationforcontinuingtomovethistransformativeprojectforwardwhilekeepingourcommunityconnectedandinformedthroughouttheprocess .”
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon stated: “Today marks another milestoneforthehistoricandtransformativeI -8 1project.A sagrowingcommunityexperiencinghistoricinvestmentintheprivatesector,itisc riticalmorethaneverthatweinvestinsafe ,modernandreliableinfrastructure.MyadministrationwillcontinuetoworkwithourpartnersatalllevelsofgovernmenttodelivertheinfrastructureourconstituentsdeserveandiwanttothankourpartnersatNewYorkStateformakingtodayareality .”
Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens said: “TheopeningofthisnewconnectionrepresentsasignificantstepforwardintheongoingtransformationoftheI -8 1ViaductProjectandourregion’ stransportationnetwork.Thisimprovedaccesswillenhancemobility ,reducecongestion,andcreateamorereliabletravelexperienceforSyracuseresidents ,commuters,andvisitorsthroughoutCentralNewYork.WethankGovernorHochulandtheNewYorkStateDepartmentofTransportationfortheircontinuedpartnershipandcommitmenttodeliveringthishistoricinfrastructureinvestment .”
For additional information about current travel conditions statewide or details about ongoing projects like these visit www.511NY.org.