The number of alternatives currently under consideration for the I-81 project has been narrowed down from nearly twenty to four. These alternatives will be the subject of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS), with the ultimate goal of narrowing down these four plans to one final Preferred Alternative to be used to replace the current I-81 viaduct through Syracuse. The current proposals under consideration include:
No Build Alternative: NEPA requires examination of a No Build Alternative, which serves as a baseline against which the other alternatives can be compared. This would maintain the highway in its existing configuration with only routine maintenance and minor repairs.
Viaduct: The similar viaduct alternatives from the Draft Scoping phase have been combined into a single alternative, with several options with respect to the I-81 and I-690 interchange. At this time, it is estimated that construction would be likely take up to six years and cost $1.4 billion.
Community Grid: Previously the Street-level Alternative/At-grade Alternative, this option contains two separate alternatives. One is a boulevard option, the other option involves making greater use of the local street network and reducing the number of traffic lanes on Almond Street. At this time, it is estimated that this alternative would take up to six years and cost $1.3 billion.
Tunnel: This option would reroute through traffic into an underground tunnel, while allowing local traffic to use new surface-level streets. The NYSDOT conducted a study that found a tunnel is a feasible option for replacing the existing Interstate 81 and is updating its Draft Environmental Review Statement to include a review of the tunnel option.