I-81 Viaduct Project Update - Syracuse Common Council - July 15, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council held a meeting with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to receive an update on the I-81 Viaduct project. Officials presented progress on nine contracts in two phases, detailed community concerns, and discussed the upcoming largest contract in NYSDOT history. Councilors and members of the public raised issues regarding construction impacts, dust, noise, truck routes, small business disruptions, and landscape design.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Taishaw (business owner at Lodi and Burnett, former Julio's location) stated that for 12–18 months, construction has blocked access to her business, causing severe financial hardship. She criticized the lack of communication and asked for compensation or support for minority-owned businesses. She noted that the project is killing small businesses and her American dream.
• Mike Hansman (Hansen Printing, 216 Burnett Ave) reported that the upcoming contract 6 will remove his loading dock, which is on DOT property. He said he was given permission to build it 20 years ago but now cannot apply for a rebuild until the project is finished, leaving him without a viable way to unload trucks. He warned he may have to close or move.
• Chaila Srat (downtown business owner) asked about coordination with small business buying cycles (e.g., Parents' Weekend) and construction staging in Bank Alley, where trucks blocked her door. She requested a direct liaison for businesses.
• Councilor Rashida Caldwell raised concerns about dust, debris, and air quality on the south side, noting that residents at Toomey Abbott have reported towed vehicles and lost property. She also mentioned a family that lost a child from a truck, causing trauma, and asked for a hotline number.
• Councilor Holland Hudson expressed concerns about signage, striping, and faded lines on the roundabouts at Brighton Ave, noting the signs are placed after the decision point. He also highlighted the lack of street markings indicating lane destinations for 481 vs. Seneca Turnpike.
• Councilor Patrona Jones Rouser criticized the landscape design, calling the current plantings at Solar Street interchange “crappy pine trees” that look dying, and grass seed on steep slopes. She requested a meeting with the city arborist and parks conservancy to develop a four-season aesthetic plan.

Discussion Items

• Project Update: NYSDOT regional director Betsy Parmley and deputy director Mike Ryan reported that the northern interchange (ID 141) is complete and operational, with new roundabouts on Brighton Ave and a new interchange at East Glen Ave. Bear Street and Spencer Street are open; Court Street is under reconstruction. New on/off ramps at Krauss Avenue and Irving Avenue are being built, and the Low Dye Street Bridge is being reconstructed. Contract 5 will reconstruct Van Buren and Almond Streets and create a new entrance from Calvin Street.
• Infrastructure Replacement: The project is replacing aging water and sewer lines. Statistics: 41 new fire hydrants installed (32 planned), 22 additional hydrants (where none were planned). 40,000 linear feet of new water mains, 30,000 linear feet of new sewer lines, 1,500 new trees, and 1,600 new shrubs. NYSDOT noted that these city-owned facilities will be turned over to the city for maintenance.
• Dust and Air Quality: NYSDOT described air quality monitors, water trucks (three on the south side contract), and tacky mats distributed at events. They acknowledged dust is part of construction but said they respond to spikes. Councilor Caldwell asked for door-to-door notification in heavily impacted neighborhoods, especially for seniors without central air.
• Truck Routes: Councilor Caldwell reported that truckers are using unauthorized city streets, causing complaints. NYSDOT stated they are enforcing truck routes and have a weekly meeting with contractors. They asked residents to report truck license plates and company names.
• Noise and Early Morning Work: Councilor Caldwell noted that work starts at 6–7 a.m., disturbing residents. NYSDOT said they will address the issue.
• Signage Issues: Several councilors reported missing or confusing signs, particularly at the Brighton Ave roundabouts, the Calvin Street closure, and the East Glen Ave interchange. NYSDOT acknowledged the problems and said they would address them with the contractor.
• Landscape Design: Councilor Rouser criticized the use of grass seed and dying arborvitae at gateways. NYSDOT’s Scott Butler said they are working with the city arborist and that a meeting with the council will be set up. They noted that wildflower plantings have received backlash due to appearance.
• Local Hire: NYSDOT reported that a 15% local hire initiative has been met or closely met (13–14%) on all five city contracts. Minority participation ranges from 15–20% (federal standard is 3%). Female participation has also increased. They noted that the Urban Jobs Task Force has a detailed report online.
• Contract 6 (Future): This is the largest contract in NYSDOT history (awarded, design-build). It will replace I-690 from Leavenworth to Irving, remove sections of the I-81 viaduct, reconstruct the West Street interchange (flipping the grade), extend Pearl Street to Erie Boulevard, and reconstruct Butternut Street and Clinton Street ramps. Completion date is 2031. The contract will require closing blocks for a drainage trunk line (8x10 foot box culvert) along Salina Street from Erie Boulevard to Harold Place.
• Small Business Compensation: Councilor Nave asked if the state can make small businesses whole. NYSDOT stated they have no mechanism to compensate for business impacts. The mayor’s office and council offered to help find alternative space during transitions.

Key Outcomes

• NYSDOT agreed to enforce truck routes more strictly and asked residents to report violations with license plate numbers.
• NYSDOT will address signage issues at the Brighton Ave roundabouts, East Glen Ave, and Calvin Street. They will also check the stop sign placement at the East Glen off-ramps.
• A meeting will be scheduled with the council, city arborist, and community groups to discuss landscape design for gateways and medians, with potential funding from NYSDOT for changes.
• NYSDOT will work with Mike Hansman to find a solution for his loading dock, which is within the interstate highway boundary. The state acknowledged the encroachment permission and will coordinate with the city.
• NYSDOT will continue door-to-door outreach in heavily impacted neighborhoods and hold open houses for contract 6. They will also improve communication with businesses about construction schedules and buying cycles.
• Councilor Nave committed to asking state officials about the possibility of compensating small businesses impacted by the project.
• Meeting adjourned.