SYRACUSE, N.Y.(NCC NEWS) – Interstate I-81 is being reconstructed this summer and is slated to finish in late 2025. Gov.Kathy Hochul announced on July 19 a $313.5 million contract to CNY Alliance.
This contract is the fourth of eight aiming to reconstruct all of I-81 and replace it with a community grid and improved public infrastructure.
“So those who are in urban planning, and design roads, and design cities say this is going to be a amazing thing. I am one of those people, to bring that highway down and have a community grid.” Said Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens.
With a new community grid slated to come in late 2025, there still resides old tension. I-81 was built upon a thriving black neighborhood. The highway caused mass dislocation and left a sour taste in the mouths of many residing in the city.
“We don’t have a good history of building something new and not replacing the people there.” Said Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens.
While the city planners have expressed their approval of the community grid the city residents are the ones who will live with the ramifications of this reconstruction.
New York Department of Transportation has estimated that the 8-stage plan is set to be finished by 2028 and cost nearly $2.25 billion.
