Contract 5 - Southern Business Loop 81

Contract 5 construction is centered around Syracuse’s Southside. Work includes reconstructing and converting existing Interstate 81 to future Business Loop 81, from just north of Colvin Street to Burt Street, where the highway will gradually become street grade.

A roundabout at future Business Loop 81 and Van Buren Street will help slow northbound traffic as it approaches Martin Luther King East and downtown Syracuse.

Approximately seven spans of the viaduct will also be removed as part of Contract 5, with the elevated highway expected to officially close to traffic at the end of 2026. Southbound traffic destined for Exit 18 (Harrison St/Adams St) and northbound traffic that enters using the on-ramp to I-81 at Harrison Street will remain on the viaduct. Temporary improvements will be made to Almond Street to allow for all traffic destined to or from Business Loop 81 to access the central business district.

A new railroad bridge will also be constructed between Martin Luther King East and the roundabout at Van Buren Street, carrying the New York Susquehanna and Western Railway tracks over Business Loop 81.

Additionally, a new exit ramp from Business Loop 81 northbound to Colvin Street will be constructed, improvements will be made to the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County’s storm water runoff and sewage systems, pedestrian and cyclist amenities will be added, along with new traffic signals, and noise barriers.

Construction will begin in the spring of 2025 and is anticipated to be complete by mid-2027.