Syracuse’s I-81 project gets $800M in NY budget, with latest plan coming this summer

Syracuse, N.Y. -- New York’s $212 billion budget includes $800 million for the state’s plan to rebuild Interstate 81 and the heart of Central New York’s interstate system, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The allocation marks the largest spending to date -- and the first down payment on construction -- on the estimated $2 billion project. Cuomo says the state will break ground next year.

“For years we have been working on a solution to transform the obsolete and poorly designed I-81 viaduct in Syracuse into a modern transportation corridor, and this year’s budget is making it a reality,” Cuomo said in a news release this morning. “We’ve listened to the community, addressed concerns related to the project and put our best plan forward - now it is time for action. We look forward to that historic day when the first shovel breaks ground on this important project.”

President Joe Biden mentioned the I-81 project in his initial pitch for a $2 trillion infrastructure plan as an example of what he and others call restorative justice.

Walsh, Syracuse University, and the area’s leading business group -- CenterState CEO -- have all endorsed the teardown plan.

Read the full article, at syracuse.com