NYSDOT considers alternate locations for proposed I-81 roundabout near Dr. King Elementary

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The proposed roundabout near Dr. King Elementary School has emerged as a contentious issue during the public-comment period for the $2 billion Interstate 81 (I-81) viaduct-replacement project in downtown Syracuse.

Now, state transportation officials say they are looking at alternate locations for the roundabout.

Officials with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) on Thursday provided an update on the highway project ahead of the conclusion of the public comment period on Oct. 14. The officials spoke at the corner of Oswego Blvd. and Erie Blvd. East, across from the Erie Canal Museum, below the elevated portion of I-81.

Dave Smith, NYSDOT regional director, said the public has expressed concerns about the proposed roundabout at Dr. King Elementary School at 416 E. Raynor Ave. in Syracuse.

Smith noted that the NYSDOT held a public-comment session at the school and explained why it was proposed for that location and the implications to moving it away from Dr. King Elementary. NYSDOT officials also held meetings with meetings with Jaime Alicea, superintendent of the Syracuse City School District, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, and the Syracuse School Board to discuss the roundabout and what NYSDOT should do with the proposal.

“We will be looking at some alternate locations. It’s premature to talk about those right now and to get into detail because we really do need to take a look at it, but we will be looking at some alternate locations,” Smith said.

Other issues drawing public comment

Local jobs and local hiring are other issues that have generated plenty of public comment on the I-81 project.

Those involved with hotel ownership on 7th North St. in Salina also weighed in with their concerns about the project as have proponents of a Harriet Tubman Memorial Bridge.

To date, the public has provided the department with more than 3,000 comments on the project, NYSDOT project manager Mark Frechette said in his remarks.

“Central New York doesn’t hesitate in telling us what they think,” Frechette noted.

NYSDOT has held several public hearings on the topic, including nine meetings in specific neighborhoods, in the past few months. The comment period, which originally was supposed to last through Sept. 14, was extended for a month.

“It’s a large document. We understand that, and, given the additional time, helps people to digest that some more,” Smith said.

State officials favor the community grid alternative for the project, which would deconstruct a section of I-81 in downtown Syracuse and redirect highway traffic to I- 481. A portion of I-690 near the current intersection with I-81 would also be rebuilt and a boulevard-like Business Loop 81would be created in downtown.

The public may still submit comments by emailing i81opportunities@dot.ny.gov; or by leaving a voicemail on the project hotline, 1-855-I81-TALK (1-855-481-8255).