The state transportation department has finally started digging under the elevated Interstate 81 in downtown Syracuse.
The fresh piles of dirt along what was once part of Renwick Avenue are the first step toward tearing down the elevated highway and sending traffic to street level on what will be called “Business Loop 81.”
There will be a new roundabout, a new railroad bridge, a new exit, new sidewalks and other features to slow traffic and bring vehicles into downtown just down the hill from the JMA Wireless Dome.
State transportation engineers and contractors have invited the public to an open house Wednesday evening to study new drawings and ask questions. The event is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, 258 East Adams St., in Syracuse.
One new rendering released early to syracuse.com shows a more detailed view of the new approach for…
