SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced the award of the third construction contract for the Interstate 81 (I-81) viaduct-replacement project.

The award of the $218.9 million contract to Salt City Constructors, LLC begins the reconstruction of city streets in the Inner Harbor area and on the northside and builds on the construction already underway at the northern and southern interchanges of Interstates 81 and 481.

“With the third contract now awarded, New York is quickly moving forward with this nation-leading project to tear down the viaduct.” Hochul said in the announcement. “The work in the Inner Harbor and on the northside of Syracuse will move the City one step closer to reconnecting neighborhoods wrongly ripped apart generations ago.”

Third contract details

The third of eight separate construction contracts expected to be awarded as part of the I-81 project focuses on consolidating multiple on-ramps along I-81 southbound to one new on-ramp that connects with future Business Loop (BL) 81 southbound, per Hochul’soffice.

Work includes new and improved southbound interchanges at North Clinton and Bear Streets, along future BL 81, “creating a gateway to the city’s northside and will allow for safer access to businesses and residences.”

Additionally, North Clinton Street will be reconstructed from Bear Street to GenantDrive, and will include new pavement, sidewalks on each side, and curbside parking. The new tree lined North Clinton Street will provide shared use paths from Court Street south to the intersection of Genant Drive.

Contract three will also “enhance safety and mobility” for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists, with the replacement of three bridges connecting the northside to the Inner Harbor. The Bear, Court, and Spencer Street bridges will be replaced with wider structures that include sidewalks and will fit over the expanded future BL 81. A shared–use path will also be included on the Court and Spencer Street bridges.

The project —described as the largest in New York State Department of Transportation history — will replace the elevated highway in downtown Syracuse with a community grid that will “reconnect neighborhoods, improve mobility and provide new opportunities for growth throughout Central New York,” Hochul’s office contends.

Construction on the six-year, $2.25 billion project has started in areas north and south of downtown Syracuse. The effort to replace the elevated I-81 viaduct through downtown Syracuse is still to come.