Governor Hochul announces opening of redesigned Interstate 481 southbound off ramp to Exit 3 in the Town of Dewitt as part of the major Interstate 81 Viaduct Project to improve traffic flow and safety

New York – Drivers in Central New York will soon notice a major change along one of the region’s busiest interchanges. Governor Kathy Hochul has confirmed that the redesigned Interstate 481 southbound off-ramp to Exit 3 in the Town of DeWitt will officially open on Monday afternoon, ushering in a new phase of the historic Interstate 81 Viaduct Project.

The redesigned interchange is expected to relieve traffic bottlenecks, improve safety, and create a smoother experience for the tens of thousands of motorists who pass through the corridor each day. With its new turning lanes, streamlined design, and traffic flow upgrades, Exit 3 is set to better serve drivers heading into and out of DeWitt as well as neighboring Fayetteville and Manlius. Officials say the project represents both a short-term win for local commuters and a long-term milestone in the state’s plan to reimagine transportation in Central New York.

“The I-81 Viaduct Project will not only remove an aging highway that has divided and blighted downtown Syracuse for far too long, it will also create new, safer connections for travelers across Central New York that improve quality of life and foster new opportunities for growth,” Governor Hochul said. “The redesigned Exit 3 is the latest improvement of many that are in store for Central New York residents and visitors as we work to complete this historic project and transform the region’s transportation network for the better.”

A New Chapter in a Generational Project

The I-81 Viaduct Project has been years in the making, aimed at undoing the mid-20th century planning decision that drove a highway through the center of Syracuse, cutting off neighborhoods and creating decades of disruption. By removing the aging viaduct and replacing it with what is known as the “Community Grid,” the project promises to reconnect communities while modernizing one of the most important travel corridors in the state.

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Redesigning Exit 3 is just one component of this much larger effort. The interchange sits at a critical juncture, where I-481 — soon to be redesignated as the new I-81 — meets State Routes 5 and 92. The updated configuration consolidates two separate exits into a single off-ramp, giving drivers clearer choices and reducing confusion.

According to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the new two-lane ramp expands to four lanes as it approaches the intersection with Routes 5 and 92. Three of those lanes are dedicated for traffic heading eastbound toward Fayetteville and Manlius, while the fourth lane provides a direct right turn for motorists heading west into DeWitt.

NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez emphasized the broader significance of the work. “The I-81 Viaduct Project is providing great enhancements for Central New York, and we are just getting started. The newly redesigned Exit 3 interchange will mean easier commutes and fewer hassles for tens of thousands of motorists who travel this corridor each day, strengthening the bonds that tie this community together and improving quality of life. It’s one of the many things that makes the future look very bright for Central New York and DOT is excited to help in making it all happen.”

More Than Pavement and Ramps

Beyond moving traffic more efficiently, the project team also considered how to reduce congestion and minimize safety risks. The redesign is expected to cut down on abrupt weaving and lane changes, which have been persistent problems in the area. Officials also note that the plan eliminates the old Exit 3E ramp, which will be closed, torn out, and replaced with grass and landscaping to improve aesthetics and safety.

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Other improvements are scheduled to follow soon. Construction crews are working to lengthen the I-481 northbound on-ramp from Routes 5 and 92 westbound all the way to Kinne Road, giving drivers more time to merge. Meanwhile, work at Lyndon Corners will add an eastbound lane to Routes 5 and 92 for motorists heading toward Manlius. These smaller upgrades, taken together, are designed to keep traffic moving more predictably as the massive viaduct project unfolds.

A Historic Commitment

The I-81 Viaduct Project is the largest undertaking in NYSDOT’s history and is supported through Governor Hochul’s $34.3 billion, five-year capital plan. The plan blends federal and state funding to push forward modernization projects across New York, with an emphasis on connectivity, equity, and multi-modal transportation options.

For Syracuse and the surrounding region, the promise is not just about smoother traffic, but about social and economic renewal. The Community Grid will replace elevated expressways with accessible streets, pedestrian-friendly corridors, and bicycle paths. These elements are intended to reconnect neighborhoods long split apart by highway infrastructure, while also ensuring compliance with ADA accessibility standards.

Assemblymember William Magnarelli pointed to both the temporary disruption and the lasting benefits of the work. “The opening of the redesigned I-481 is one step in the overall revamping of the interstate systems in Syracuse. While the construction is a temporary inconvenience for local drivers, the finished projects create a more efficient and safer system for all.”

Community Outreach and Technology

Recognizing the scale of the project, state leaders have paired construction with outreach and communication tools. Earlier this year, Governor Hochul announced the launch of the I-81 Connect mobile app, giving residents real-time updates on traffic conditions, construction progress, and travel advisories. The app also allows the public to communicate directly with the project team, keeping transparency and community input front and center.

This app builds on years of extensive public engagement during the planning and environmental review phases. Officials describe it as a tool for ensuring that Central New York residents remain connected, informed, and able to voice their concerns as construction progresses.

Looking Ahead

The opening of Exit 3’s new design is not the end of the road, but a signal of momentum for the wider project. Dozens of additional milestones are still to come, including the eventual removal of the existing I-81 viaduct and the rerouting of interstate traffic onto what is now I-481.

State and local leaders acknowledge that construction will continue to disrupt daily travel for some time. But they argue that the short-term inconvenience is necessary to achieve a safer, more efficient, and more equitable transportation system.

Governor Hochul has framed the project as part of her administration’s broader effort to modernize infrastructure across New York. With federal funding playing a significant role, the work is also seen as part of a national shift toward rethinking highways that divided communities in the postwar era.

For drivers in Central New York, Monday’s opening of the redesigned Exit 3 ramp is a tangible sign that progress is happening. While the viaduct project is far from complete, each milestone brings the region closer to a future in which smoother commutes, safer roads, and stronger community connections are no longer promises but everyday realities.