SYRACUSE -- Governor David A. Paterson today announced that Interstate 81 (I-81) northbound will, barring any unforeseen circumstances, reopen to traffic this weekend. The northbound lane of I-81 from the I-690 west ramp to Court Street, as well as the on-ramps from I-690 westbound and Pearl Street, have been closed since February 26 to facilitate the demolition of the privately-owned structurally-deficient multi-story building.
"Through the significant efforts of both the State of New York and the City of Syracuse, we are pleased to announce that the northbound section of the Interstate is going to open for traffic this weekend," Governor Paterson said. "The best news is that I-81 will be open for the NCAA Tournament. I extend my thanks to Mayor Stephanie Miner, the Department of Transportation, the project contractors and all those who have been working nonstop to remedy this difficult situation. I also thank the motorists who depend on the Interstate to commute and enjoy leisure activities in the heart of Syracuse for their patience during this time."
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has announced that, although the Interstate will be open, there will be some traffic restrictions in place while the crews continue the demolition project.
NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said: "Throughout this closure our main goal has been to assure the safety of the traveling public. Now that we're able to reopen the highway, we are reminding motorists to drive carefully through work zones and obey the posted construction speed limit for their safety as well as the safety of the highway work crew. Work is continuing at the construction site, so we are urging drivers on the Interstate not to slow down to see the work being done on the site as rubbernecking can cause delays and accidents. Please use care and caution after we reopen I-81."
The following travel restrictions will be put into place, 24/7 through approximately June 1, to facilitate progress on the Butternut Street bridge replacement project:
I-81 Northbound Mainline: Left lane closed from on-ramp at Harrison Street to Butternut Street. Just north of the Butternut Street bridge site, traffic will be shifted to the left and center lanes, with the right lane closed in the building area to facilitate completion of the demolition and site cleanup.
I-81 Northbound Ramps: Access to I-81 north will be maintained from I-690 westbound and the Pearl Street on-ramp. Occasional short term or daily closures of these on-ramps may be necessary during this time.
The Butternut and State Street on-ramps will remain closed to facilitate completion of the demolition and site cleanup.
