Department of Transportation

Final Week For Public To Comment On I-81 Viaduct Project Scoping Phase

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today issued a reminder that next Tuesday, September 2, is the final day of the scoping comment period for the Interstate 81 (I-81) Viaduct Project. Once the comment period closes, NYSDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will begin work to develop a Final Scoping Report, which will include information on the project alternatives that will be carried forward for further study in the environmental review process.

NYSDOT and FHWA are proposing to rehabilitate, reconstruct or replace an elevated section of I-81 from approximately Dr. Martin Luther King East to Hiawatha Boulevard in the City of Syracuse.  Consistent with state and federal environmental review requirements, the two agencies are preparing an Environmental Impact Statement to assess and document the potential impacts of various project proposals. 

“Scoping” is an early step in the review process, giving the public opportunities to provide feedback on the purpose of the project, the concepts being considered and the environmental issues to be studied.  There will be numerous opportunities for the public to comment on project proposals as the review progresses.

 In June, NYSDOT released the Draft Scoping Report, which can be accessed on the project website, at www.i81opportunities.org. The report is also available at the I-81 Viaduct Project Outreach Center at the Carnegie Building, 335 Montgomery Street in downtown Syracuse, as well as public libraries throughout the area.

Comments can be emailed through a form on the project website, or can be sent to I81Opportunities@dot.ny.gov. In addition, written comments can be mailed to Mark Frechette, Project Director, I-81 Viaduct Project, 333 E. Washington Street, Syracuse NY 13202. Comments postmarked by September 2 will be accepted.

Please follow the I-81 Viaduct Project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/I81viaduct.

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