Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – After almost three weeks, a hole that appeared on a portion of 690 Westbound in downtown Syracuse has been closed and the stretch of road has been reopened.
Department of Transportation crews still have a section nearby closed off, but the area of concern has been dealt with.
The DOT initially hoped to have the hole sealed within a week.
Additionally, 81 southbound past Brighton has also reopened.
State hopes to have all 690 lanes reopened Friday
July 13
Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - The State Department of Transportation says it is hopeful that all lanes of I-690 westbound will be reopened in the City of Syracuse by evening rush hour on Friday. A lane was closed on June 28, after the discovery of a hole through the bridge deck over North Salina Street.
The State says the original hole was repaired, but other unexpected problems have cropped up farther west. They will require some work during at least Thursday and Friday.
The DOT says it is hopeful all lanes will reopen Friday evening, but can make no promises until bridge crews make a proper assessment.
690 West down to 1 lane through holiday weekend due to hole
June 28
Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Route 690 Westbound has been reduced to one lane after a large hole was discovered near West Street.
The hole is located in an area that passes directly over North Salina Street, where a sizable amount of debris collected on the sidewalk underneath it.
According to officials, the damage will not be repaired for about a week.
Syracuse Police are stressing that drivers should exercise caution in the area.
The New York State Department of Transportation was notified of the damage around noon on Tuesday and began working to correct the problem right away.
“The reinforced steel, the re-bars that make up the deck...they're all in place. They're where they should be. So, we're hoping it's just isolated to this patch,” said New York State DOT spokesperson Gene Cilento.
The State DOT said that water can gather in such spots, creating problems.
“A lot of times, you'll find problems within 10 feet or so of a joint. It's the area where water collects - water seeps into concrete - creating problems,” Cilento said.
The ruptured portion of the bridge has been patched in the past. And the DOT anticipates needing to return to repair it again.
“The concrete deck is 40 years old. Plus it's prone to water leakage,” Cilento said.
