Drivers in Syracuse and Salina will encounter daytime lane reductions and ramp closures, plus two overnight closures of the northbound I-81 exit to Mattydale, as highway construction continues this week.
The state Department of Transportation’s latest I-690 advisory schedules bridge work and paving from Monday, Sept. 28, through Friday, Oct. 2. Separate notices detail the ramp restrictions and signed detours motorists should follow.
The restrictions affect different highway segments and hours. The I-690 daytime work is part of the I-81 Viaduct Project, while DOT identifies paving as the reason for the overnight Mattydale ramp closures.
I-690 lane reductions and daytime ramp closures
I-690 will be reduced to one lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Sept. 28-Oct. 2 at two locations in Syracuse.
Eastbound restrictions will extend from the I-81 northbound on-ramp to Exit 17 at Teall Avenue. Westbound restrictions will extend from Exit 17 to Exit 16B, signed for Townsend Street and downtown.
The westbound I-690 ramp to northbound I-81 also has a separate weekday closure from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Its announced period began Friday, Sept. 25, and runs through Tuesday, Sept. 29.
That signed detour takes drivers west on I-690 to Exit 16B, north on North Townsend Street, west on Burnet Avenue, north on North State Street and west on Hickory Street to reach northbound I-81.
The westbound I-690 off-ramp to Exit 15A at West Street is scheduled to close during the same weekday hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., through Friday, Oct. 2. That restriction also began Sept. 25.
Drivers following the West Street detour should continue west on I-690 to Exit 14 at North Geddes Street, travel south on North Geddes Street, enter eastbound I-690 and use Exit 15 for West Street.
The ramp detours are distinct: the Townsend Street route serves motorists trying to reach northbound I-81, while the North Geddes Street route serves those seeking West Street.
Overnight Mattydale detour
In Salina, the northbound I-81 off-ramp to Exit 8 at Mattydale will close overnight from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, and Tuesday, Sept. 29.
The signed detour directs northbound drivers to continue on I-81 to Exit 9 at Taft Road, head west on Taft Road, enter southbound I-81 and take Exit 8 to U.S. Route 11.
These are overnight paving restrictions, not an announced all-day closure of the Mattydale exit. The daytime I-690 schedules should not be assumed to apply to this ramp.
All of the construction schedules are weather-dependent and can change based on conditions. DOT advises drivers to follow posted detour signs and slow down in work zones.
Speeding fines are doubled in work zones. Two or more work-zone speeding convictions can result in a driver’s license suspension.
Travelers can check updated road conditions by calling 511, visiting 511NY or using its free mobile app. The notices identify planned restrictions; motorists should check current guidance before setting out.
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