$218.9 million contract awarded to local contractor for I-81 Business Loop Project
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The I-81 Project is one step closer to reconnecting neighborhoods and providing new growth opportunities throughout Central New York.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the third construction contract for the I-81 Viaduct Project was awarded to Cicero-based Salt City Constructors, LLC.
This $218.9 million contract begins the reconstruction of city streets in the Inner Harbor and the Northside and builds on the construction already underway at the northern and southern interchange of Interstates 81 and 481.
Glimpse of I-81 Community Grid project offered through DOT renderings
This is the third of eight construction contracts expected to be awarded as part of the largest New York State Department of Transportation project ever.
This project focuses on consolidating multiple on-ramps along I-81 southbound to one new on-ramp that connects with future Business Loop (BL) 81 southbound.
Work includes:
- New and improved southbound interchanges at North Clinton and Bear Streets.
- New pavement, sidewalks and curbside parking on North Clinton Street from Bear Street to Genant Drive.
- Replacement of Bear, Court and Spencer Street bridges connecting the Northside to the Inner Harbor.
- Construction of a shared-use path on the Court and Spencer Street bridges.
- Installation of curb bump-outs to shorten pedestrian crossing distances.
- Nearly 800 new trees, decorative street lighting and new traffic signals.
- Pedestrian improvements along much of Bear Street connecting the northside to the Empire State Trail.
- Improvements to the interchange of I-690 eastbound with Bear Street, providing a more efficient and safe connection.
In one of the first local hire provisions in the nation approved under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 15% of each contract’s workforce must represent locally hired workers. The provision also incentivizes hiring local residents from zip codes in disadvantaged communities at a prevailing wage.
I-81 Inner Harbor Business Loop contract to be awarded soon, hiring local workers
In alliance with community partners, the New York State Department of Transportation is collaborating with employment groups to recruit and train those who are interested in working on the project.