"Transformational Groundbreaking Marks Progress for I-81 Viaduct Project in Syracuse"

Leaders from various levels of government gathered in Syracuse to celebrate the start of the $2.25 billion I-81 project, which aims to rework the elevated highway that has divided the city for over 60 years. The project will remove 1.4 miles of the highway, redirecting local traffic to street level and high-speed traffic around the city. The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone for the state and federal governments, despite ongoing opposition and legal challenges. The project is part of a larger plan to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood, including the demolition of public housing units and the construction of new infrastructure.