Dive Brief:
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled the fourth of eight contracts for the state’s $2.25 billion I-81 Viaduct project, which aims to reconnect downtown Syracuse neighborhoods divided by the viaduct’s construction in the 1950s.
- Hochul announced a $313.5 million contract with CNY Alliance, a partnership made up of New York-based contractors Rifenburg Cos., Economy Paving Co. and a joint venture between A. Servidone and B. Anthony Construction Corp. The group will build a direct connection from downtown to University Hill, the busiest employment, medical and higher education corridor in Syracuse.
- Contract four aims to enhance mobility and access, making it easier to reach the area’s hospitals and universities. To do this, CNY Alliance will replace the elevated highway in downtown Syracuse and perform major upgrades to the city’s drainage system, according to the release.
Dive Insight:
The contract calls for the group to separate storm water from sanitary sewer flow to prevent overloading and reduce the amount of chemicals needed for sewage treatment, according to the release.
Construction will also involve the realignment of certain roadways and the reconstruction of several city streets. Enhancements include the construction of ADA-accessible pedestrian and cyclist amenities, such as bike lanes, shared-use paths, new sidewalks and crosswalks.
CNY Alliance also won the Contract Two portion of the project in the summer of 2023, valued at $384.5 million, according to the New York State DOT. That project, already underway, will upgrade a portion of I-481 and improve connections to downtown Syracuse and other business districts.
All eight contracts form part of Hochul’s plan to modernize the area’s infrastructure and reconnect downtown Syracuse neighborhoods.
