Bridging the Community Engagement Gap on the I-81 Viaduct Project

The I-81 Viaduct Project in Syracuse, New York is a transformative infrastructure initiative—not only in how it will reshape the physical landscape of the city, but also in how the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has approached communication and community engagement throughout the life of the project. From its earliest stages as a concept championed by community advocates, meaningful public engagement has been central to the project’s development. This $2.25 billion investment will remove the aging elevated highway that has long divided the city, reconnect neighborhoods, and create a new transportation network that better serves the region. Achieving this vision has required sustained dialogue with residents, businesses, institutions, and stakeholders. NYSDOT has prioritized transparency and accessibility at every stage—from extensive outreach during the Environmental Impact Statement process to ongoing communication as construction progresses. Through public meetings, stakeholder briefings, targeted outreach, and real-time construction notifications, the project team has worked to ensure the community remains informed and involved.  This presentation will provide an overview of the history of the I-81 Viaduct Project, why it is critical to both Syracuse and NYSDOT, and how the project evolved from concept to construction. It will also highlight the communication strategies and customer-service approach that have helped build trust, manage expectations, and keep the project moving forward. Ultimately, the I-81 Viaduct Project demonstrates how major infrastructure investments can go beyond traditional project delivery—showing how listening, adapting, and maintaining strong community partnerships can help transform both transportation systems and the communities they serve.