Work on Erie Boulevard over West Street postponed

View Erie Blvd. Bridge Closure in a larger map

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - The city of Syracuse is calling on the New York State Department of Transportation to postpone long-term construction scheduled to begin March 16th that would close the Erie Blvd. bridge over West Street.

"In light of the recent closure of Interstate 81 and the resulting frustration in our area, I am requesting that the New York State Department of Transportation delay this project," Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner said in a news release.

Miner said city engineers and the Syracuse Police Department have expressed concerns about the bridge closing due to the current closure of Route 81 north through the north side of Syracuse.

"The construction in the city on the Court Street and Butternut Street bridges, in combination of the closure of Interstate 81, have created a great deal of frustration and inconvenience for our area's residents and, in particular, our local businesses.  To add another construction project that will last up to 6 months and presents more difficulties for drivers will further exhaust their patience and discourage traffic downtown," said Miner.  

The State DOT told NewsChannel 9 on Monday, they were already considering delaying that project but have not yet made a final decision.  

Syracuse's Corporation Counsel confirmed late Monday that the city and state are discussing an agreement to share the costs of demolishing the crumbling building that has forced part of Route 81 to be closed for over a week.

The State DOT says it has offered to pay 70% of the demolition and cleanup costs if the City of Syracuse pays 30%. The city is waiting for clarification as to how much their total share of the cost of the project would be.

Until an agreement is reached, and demolition of the crumbling building takes place, traffic along Route 81 northbound will remain shut down.

The replacement of the Erie Blvd. Bridge over West St. is expected to last until late November 2010.

• Traffic leaving Downtown Syracuse will be directed from West Genesee Street to Geddes Street to Erie Blvd.
• West Street Northbound off-ramp traffic to Erie Blvd West will be detoured to Herald Place to Wallace Street to West Genesee Street to Geddes Street to Erie Blvd heading East.
• Shuttle service will transport pedestrians around the bridge. The shuttle's two stops will be located at intersection of Erie Blvd with Plum Street (West Side) and Franklin Street (East Side).
• I-690 West Street off ramp to close periodically for work on East Street southbound. Traffic will remain on I-690 westbound to North Geddes off ramp to North Geddes Street heading southbound to I-690 Eastbound on ramp to West Street off ramp.