Time is running out on the public comment period for the Interstate 81 project in Syracuse.
New York State Department of Transportation officials spoke about the project Thursday, reminding the public that the window closes next week.
The Department of Transportation released its draft environmental impact statement for the project during the summer, including some changes to the preferred “community grid” option.
The option would tear down the existing viaduct between Martin Luther King Jr. East and the I-690 interchange. Almond Street would be improved into a wider boulevard through the city. The remaining highway into Syracuse would be renamed Business Loop 81, with I-481 becoming the new I-81. In downtown, a new exit was added to Business Loop 81 to Colvin Street. The end of Business Loop 81 at Martin Luther King Jr. East is being changed to a roundabout instead of a traffic signal. Ramps and exits to and from Business Loop 81 and I-690 would be added, including at Crouse Ave and Oswego Boulevard.
Outside of Syracuse, the project will also look to improve one area that’s already a traffic headache: the DeWitt exit for Route 5 and 92.
So far, officials say they’ve received thousands of comments about the proposal.
Many of them talk about potential construction jobs staying local, while others have concerns about the proposed roundabout near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Elementary School.
Officials say they are looking at other alternatives for the roundabout.
“I think we want the best solution, but I think what DOT hears was the roundabout at MLK is a fatal flaw. I think we can engineer some new things that will be acceptable to the community,” said Mark Frechette, I-81 project director.
The public comment period comes to an end on Oct. 14.
