Crews start work Monday on $65 million project to improve I-690 in Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Work will begin Monday, May 8 on the $65 million reconstruction of Interstate 690 at its intersection with Teall Avenue and Beech Street in the city of Syracuse.

The two-year design-build project seeks to improve access to the interstate, ease traffic congestion, and enhance traffic safety and capacity, according to a news release from the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The Teall-Beech project will replace the single-span bridge over Teall Avenue. The 15-span Beech Street viaduct will also be replaced with a single new span over Beech Street and a new highway section on an embankment supported by retaining walls. “Construction crews will utilize a unique method of soil stabilization that will compress the soil and minimize excavation,” the release stated.

This area of Teall Avenue and Beech Street will be rebuilt, as will the I-690 interchange with Teall Avenue. The project aims to improve traffic movement and reduce traffic jams, especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours. The work will also include utility upgrades.

During construction, traffic on I-690 will be reduced to two lanes in each direction, using on-site crossovers, the state says. During this year’s work in the westbound direction, the westbound off- and on-ramps will be closed to all traffic. In 2018, when eastbound work is underway, the off- and on-ramps will be closed. During the winter of 2017-2018, all ramps will be open.

Traffic is slated to be driving on the new bridges by the end of 2018, with the final paving work taking place in the spring of 2019, per the state.

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