A stretch of Route 81 NB is still closed because of a crumbling building.
SYRACUSE -- The state Department of Transportation is giving Syracuse drivers a break. The DOT says it will delay the closure of Erie Boulevard over West Street.
Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner wrote a letter to the DOT asking the state to do just that. She says the hassles would be too much for drivers who are already frustrated about the closure of Route 81 in the city.
The stretch of Erie Boulevard over West Street was supposed to be shut down on Tuesday, March 16th to replace the bridge. Now, that project will be put off until Route 81 is back open.
DOT Commissioner Stanley Gee says "The safety of the traveling public is the top priority for the Department of Transportation. We are working with the City of Syracuse and taking steps toward assuring that Interstate 81 will be restored to safety soon. However, in the meantime, we want to minimize the impact on traffic and mitigate the inconvenience to drivers caused by the I-81 closure and other construction projects underway in the City. As soon as the Interstate is reopened, we will move forward with the work on Erie Boulevard."
Miner says, "I am pleased the State is working with us to try to ease the impact on travelers by delaying the Erie Blvd./West St. project."
Click here to read more CNYcentral.com coverage of the 81 closure.
