NYSDOT to close I-81 south ramp to I-481 north on Sept. 11 for project work

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) plans to close the I-81 south exit ramp (16A) to I-481 north at around 9 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 11 for work related to the I-81 viaduct-replacement project. NYSDOT will set up a detour, and the newly aligned ramp is expected to open in the spring of 2025. (Eric Reinhardt / CNYBJ)

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) plans to close the exit ramp along Interstate 81 (I-81) south to Interstate 481 north at around 9 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 11.  

The closure of exit 16A and traffic-pattern change are related to the I-81 viaduct-replacement project, NYSDOT said in its Wednesday announcement. The department expects the newly aligned ramp to open in the spring of 2025.

The closure is “necessary” to begin preparations for a newly constructed interchange that will connect future Business Loop 81 southbound to the redesignated I-81 northbound, NYSDOT said.

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Message boards posted on I-81 southbound will direct detoured traffic to exit 17 (South State and Salina Streets and Brighton Avenue) prior to the closed exit ramp. Detour signs will direct traffic from South State Street to Brighton Avenue and then to Rock Cut Road and I-481 northbound.

The department asks drivers to use caution when traveling through the work zone area and “pay attention to all traffic control devices, including signs and flaggers.”

Eric Reinhardt: