Update: The Federal Highway Administration has extended the public comment period through Oct. 14.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The release of the latest plans to rebuild Interstate 81 and the region’s highway system opened a 60-day window for people to provide their thoughts, concerns and criticisms of the $2 billion plan.
That public comment window closes at 5 p.m. on Oct. 14.
State and federal transportation officials must respond to the comments about their plans to take down a portion of I-81 in Syracuse and reroute highway traffic onto an expanded Interstate 481.
The plans also include rebuilding the current connections between I-481 and I-81; adding exits at Colvin Street, Glen Avenue and Crouse and Irving avenues; and rebuilding 1.5 miles of Interstate 690 in the heart of Syracuse. You can find links to the entire plan here.
You don’t have to wait for a public hearing or go in person to comment. There are several options:
Online
You can fill out an online form or you can send an email to this address: i81opportunities@dot.ny.gov.
By phone
Call 1-855-I81-TALK or 1-855-481-8255.
Write a letter
Mark Frechette, P.E., Project Director, New York State Department of Transportation, Region 3, 333 East Washington Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Rick Marquis, Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building, 11A Clinton Avenue, Suite 719, Albany, NY 12207
Attend a public hearing
There are four public hearings scheduled.
Two are on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m. and at 5 p.m. These hearings are online only. To submit oral comments for an online session, you must register. The sessions will be live-streamed as well for anyone to watch.
Two are on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at the Oncenter. The hearings are at 4 and 6 p.m. There will also be an open house that will run from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Attend an info session
The state is holding eight information sessions -- four in the city and four in the suburbs -- in August and September.
READ MORE ON I-81
9 changes to massive I-81 plan, plus 3 things we still don’t know
Construction could begin next year but when would hulking highway come down
See the entire I-81 plan with maps, data and more
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