The State informed City engineers they have retained C&S Engineers to prepare temporary easement maps as part of procedures to gain access to the property. Also, C&S is assisting with specifications to allow a contractor to price the demolition.
This discussion is evidence of the state’s commitment to reopening Route 81 in safe manner as soon as possible.
City engineers and attorneys have continued to work with state officials today on multiple issues related to the demolition. These issues include the right to access the private property following the owner’s refusal yesterday to grant the state access for the demo. Other discussion today focused on a plan for any hazardous materials in the building and other details related to state plans to secure a demolition contractor. Departments engaged by the City today include the Governor’s office, state DOT and DEC.
Traffic Update:
The Syracuse Police Department continues to work closely with New York State DOT and City DOT to smooth the detour process. Traffic signal timings in the posted detours and affected surface streets have been lengthened to allow more traffic flow. Variable message signs have been placed in and around the detour to brief motorists of current closures and alternate routes. The Syracuse Police Department has deployed extra traffic patrols on the interstate and associated surface streets to quickly handle and clear collisions and disabled vehicles, as well as, to conduct enforcement to prevent aggressive driving behaviors.
Motorists should expect delays and exercise patience. Motorists are reminded that it is against the law to drive a vehicle into an intersection unless there is adequate space on the opposite side of the intersection to accommodate the vehicle regardless of a green traffic light, which would permit one to proceed. Intersections should not be blocked. Motorists should expect to be ticketed should they be found blocking the intersection.
If involved in a collision and if possible, motorists should move their vehicles out of the roadway, so, traffic may proceed.
