Interstate 81 was thrust through vulnerable neighborhoods as part of a disastrous urban renewal scheme, dividing downtown Syracuse from its famous university and hospitals, while displacing hundreds of households, businesses, and institutions, leaving a city-sized scar in their place. Now repair is underway. 

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have officially begun the process of removing Interstate 81 through the heart of Syracuse and replacing it with the Community Grid alternative. The City of Syracuse chose Dover, Kohl & Partners to plan to restore the Community Grid and establish the city's vision for the future of Syracuse without I-81. The team included Nelson/Nygaard, Foit/Albert, CHPlanning, SWBR, Ideas and Action, & Marc Wouters Studio.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer says, "Syracuse can be a blueprint for reconnecting communities across America.”

Removing I-81 will stitch the neighborhoods back together, unlock enormous value, and enable the City and state to recreate Almond Street as a grand, tree-lined avenue

Community Gird

E. Adams Street “Complete Street” with dedicated Bus Rapid Transit lanes and a two-way cycletrack

The public realm within Almond Street, looking North towards I-690 within the intersection of Almond Street & E. Fayette Street

Future Downtown development potential within the newly developed land