I-81 Removal Project

At a news conference on Wednesday, Councilor-at-Large Van Robinson announced that he has made progress on his I-81 removal plan. Proposals to study the project have been sent out to 100 consulting companies, and 19 have already been returned.

Robinson, who has dubbed the interstate as Syracuse's "Berlin Wall", said the city has been separated between it's East and West sides.

"No where is it more apparent than when you are on the University campus looking down, seeing how the highway has totally divided the city from East to West," Robinson stated.

Robinson's proposed I-81 removal project will reroute the highway around the city. The removal will reunite the city and stimulate Syracuse's economy.

"By having it come down, you improve the property values around the I-81 corridor," he said.

The reconstruction plan will also encourage the use of mass transportation, relieve traffic congestion and help the Emerald City better control it's pollution. The use of public transportation has increased by 30 percent, and Robinson expects this number to multiply pending the approval of the project.

The company proposals are due by August 5th. One company will then be selected to study the proposed project. Robinson says I-81 does not meet safety standards and will need improvements soon. If the project is approved, the rerouting plan is expected to be completed by 2015.

For resident reactions and comments about the proposed removal, click here.