Governor Hochul announces completion of $5 million infrastructure upgrades in Onondaga and Oswego counties delivered on time and within budget

Albany, New York – Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced the completion of two major transportation projects in Central New York, marking a $5 million investment that state officials say will immediately improve safety, traffic flow, and long-term reliability along two heavily traveled routes in Onondaga and Oswego counties. Both projects were delivered on schedule and within budget, a point state leaders emphasized as evidence of disciplined planning and execution at a time when infrastructure costs nationwide continue to rise.

The completed work includes the reconstruction of the northbound State Route 481 off-ramp to East Circle Drive in the Town of Cicero and the full replacement of an aging bridge carrying State Route 49 over Big Bay Creek in the Town of West Monroe. Together, the projects serve thousands of daily commuters, commercial drivers, and travelers heading toward Oneida Lake, Lake Ontario, and surrounding communities that depend on these corridors for work, tourism, and everyday life.

State officials framed the improvements as part of a broader effort to prepare Central New York for rapid economic and population changes already underway, including major private-sector investments and large-scale transportation initiatives such as the I-81 Viaduct Project.

“The I-81 Viaduct Project and the development of Micron are fostering an unprecedented transformation of Central New York, and it’s vital that our infrastructure throughout the region is ready to accommodate,” Governor Hochul said. “These two projects in Cicero and West Monroe will reduce congestion, enhance safety and improve resiliency along two crucial travel routes. This ensures the movement of people and goods will keep pace with the growth we are already seeing in the economic powerhouse of Central New York.”

Officials said the work may appear localized on a map, but its impact extends well beyond the immediate project limits. Both routes function as connectors between counties, residential areas, recreation destinations, and regional highways, making them essential to the daily rhythm of Central New York.

One of the completed projects focused on Exit 1B along northbound State Route 481, a key access point to East Circle Drive in Cicero. State Route 481 links Onondaga and Oswego counties and serves as a major commuting artery for workers, students, and families. It is also a primary route for visitors traveling to lakeside destinations along Oneida Lake and Lake Ontario.

According to the New York State Department of Transportation, nearly 12,000 vehicles use Exit 1B each day. Before construction, congestion at the off-ramp and intersection often slowed traffic and created safety concerns, especially during peak commuting hours and summer travel seasons.

The $3 million reconstruction project expanded the off-ramp to better manage traffic movements. The redesigned ramp now includes two dedicated left-turn lanes and a clearly defined right-turn-only lane onto East Circle Drive. This change allows vehicles to move through the intersection more efficiently while reducing conflict points that can lead to crashes.

Read also: Politically connected Venezuelan cocaine trafficker receives life sentence plus 30 years after landmark US prosecution

The traffic signal at the intersection was also upgraded. An overhead sign now directs drivers more clearly to the right-turn-only lane, and a modern video detection system has been installed to better manage signal timing based on real-time traffic conditions. Transportation officials said these improvements are designed to reduce backups and improve driver awareness, particularly for those unfamiliar with the area.

Work on the ramp extended below the surface as well. Crews repaired the subbase at the bottom of the off-ramp, reinforcing it with crushed stone to create a stronger and more stable foundation. This step is expected to improve durability and reduce future maintenance needs, especially during harsh winter conditions.

Additional safety upgrades were completed along the mainline of northbound State Route 481. A new concrete median barrier was installed along the left shoulder between the bridges over U.S. Route 11 and South Bay Road. The shoulder adjacent to the barrier was widened to six feet, giving drivers more room in emergencies and enhancing overall roadway safety.

State transportation officials said these changes were designed not only to address current traffic demands but also to accommodate future growth as nearby communities continue to develop.

The second project, located in Oswego County, focused on replacing a bridge that had long outlived its original design life. The bridge carrying State Route 49 over Big Bay Creek in the Town of West Monroe was originally constructed in 1941. Made of timber, the structure had deteriorated over time and required replacement to ensure safe passage for modern traffic volumes.

The $2 million project replaced the old bridge with a new, more durable structure built using cast-in-place concrete piles, pre-stressed concrete beams, a concrete bridge deck, and concrete approach slabs. Transportation officials said these materials offer significantly greater resistance to weather, heavy loads, and long-term wear.

Approximately 10,000 motorists cross the bridge each day, making it a vital link for local residents, businesses, and visitors. State Route 49 connects directly with Interstate 81 at Exit 106 in Central Square, while the eastern portion of the highway provides access to neighborhoods, restaurants, local vendors, and recreational areas along the north shore of Oneida Lake.

The route also serves as a main travel corridor for people heading to popular summer destinations such as Sylvan Beach and Verona Beach in neighboring Oneida County. Officials said the new bridge will help ensure uninterrupted access to these areas while improving safety for drivers year-round.

Read also: County Executive Adam Bello announces new Virtual Senior Center to connect adults age 60 and older with live programs and social engagement from home

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said the two projects reflect a broader strategy to strengthen transportation networks across Central New York.

“Governor Hochul is leading Central New York to a brighter future by investing in transportation infrastructure projects that will help our communities grow and prosper,” Dominguez said. “These two projects in Onondaga and Oswego counties have enhanced safety and connectivity along two vital travel arteries in Central New York and will add further fuel to the infrastructure investments that are fueling the region’s economic vitality.”

Federal and state lawmakers representing the region also praised the completed work, highlighting its timing as Central New York prepares for major economic development tied to new manufacturing and construction projects.

Senator Charles Schumer pointed to the role of federal infrastructure funding in moving the projects forward and said the improvements will benefit both residents and visitors.

“The new bridge in West Monroe and upgraded ramp in Cicero will improve traffic flow along this vital corridor for Central New York just in time for Micron’s groundbreaking later this week,” Schumer said. “I was proud to deliver millions in federal funding from my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to help connect residents and visitors to Oneida Lake and Lake Ontario, all while creating good-paying jobs, jobs, jobs. I’m grateful that Governor Hochul is putting these dollars to good use to improve safety and connectivity for Central New Yorkers.”

Representative John W. Mannion echoed those sentiments, noting the daily impact the projects will have on commuters and local businesses.

“Governor Kathy Hochul continues to deliver the road and bridge investments Central New Yorkers deserve — easing congestion and ensuring safer, smoother rides,” Mannion said. “The upgraded Route 481 exit ramp in Cicero and the Route 49 bridge project strengthen critical connections, including to Oneida County, supporting commuters, local businesses, and improving access to work, school, and the lakeshore communities that so many residents enjoy year-round.”

State lawmakers emphasized that infrastructure investments like these often go unnoticed until problems arise, making proactive improvements especially important.

State Senator Christopher J. Ryan said the projects address long-standing needs while preparing the region for future growth.

“These improvements make a real difference for the people who live, work, and travel through Onondaga and Oswego counties every day,” Ryan said. “From easing congestion on Route 481 to replacing a long-overdue bridge on Route 49, these projects improve safety, strengthen vital connections, and support the continued growth of our communities. This is the kind of infrastructure investment that keeps our region moving and protects the people who rely on these roads year-round. I thank Commissioner Dominguez and Governor Hochul for their partnership in delivering these projects.”

Assemblymember Al Stirpe highlighted the importance of coordinating local road and bridge improvements with larger regional projects already underway.

“The completion of the East Circle Drive Exit Ramp supports a broader, long-term goal that will modernize and revitalize Central New York’s infrastructure for years to come,” Stirpe said. “These upgrades keep our roads safe, less congested, and more reliable so each day, thousands of drivers can go on with their commute. With the transformational I-81 Viaduct Project underway, shoring up our roads and bridges in surrounding areas is crucial to ensuring safety and connectivity for our community.”

Beyond the immediate benefits to drivers, state officials said the projects align with the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to create a transportation system that is safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient. The agency aims to connect communities, support economic growth, and protect the environment while adapting infrastructure to changing needs.

DOT officials also used the announcement to remind motorists of the importance of work zone safety, urging drivers to slow down and move over for highway workers. While construction on these two projects is now complete, similar efforts continue across the state.

For travelers seeking real-time updates on road conditions, the state encourages the use of its 511 system, available by phone, online, and through a mobile app. Officials said access to accurate travel information helps drivers make safer choices and reduces congestion across the network.

With the Cicero off-ramp and West Monroe bridge now fully reopened, state leaders say Central New York is better positioned to handle increased traffic, support economic expansion, and maintain reliable connections between communities. The projects may be modest in scale compared to larger statewide initiatives, but officials stressed that their on-time, on-budget completion demonstrates how targeted investments can deliver meaningful results for the people who rely on these roads every day.