I-81 Viaduct Replacement

Replacement of the aging I-81 viaduct with a local street network serving Downtown Syracuse and the University Hill neighborhood — a major educational and medical district — promises to enhance livability and foster economic development through reconnected communities on either side of this longtime highway barrier. AKRF is lead environmental consultant for the project team and we managed preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement and associated technical studies, including responding to over 8,000 public comments on the DEIS; supported the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 review; prepared detailed natural resources inventories to comply with USACE and NYSDEC regulations; and supported the extensive alternatives analysis.

Because of its urban setting, key environmental considerations for the $2.25 billion I-81 project include social and economic conditions, historic resources, parklands, traffic, air quality, noise, and environmental justice. In May 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced the signing of the formal Record of Decision for the project, which will allow the Community Grid Alternative to proceed with construction.

(Top image courtesy of New York State Department of Transportation)