The Interstate Highway Act was created by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to expand transportation networks across the United States. As part of the act, states only had to pay for 10% of the construction. The network of roads took over 35 years to complete, however, it is constantly still being worked on today.
“Together, the united forces of our communication and transportation systems are dynamic elements in the very name we bear -- United States. Without them, we would be a mere alliance of many separate parts.”
Known for its prestigious university and historical landmarks located in downtown Syracuse.
The city has a population of over 140,000 residents and is considered an important central transportation hub for travelers and commuters.
Postwar suburbanism played a huge role in Syracuse's population dip during the 50’s. Premanufactured homes began to appear more after World War II ended, influencing people to move out of the city.
As an effort to bring people back into the city and boost economy, government officials plan for an overpass that would bring communities in from outlying areas to the urban core of Syracuse. City leaders urged that a highway network would make Syracuse one of the largest cities in the country.
Unexpectedly, the overpass influenced residents to leave the city rather than bring in new residents.
The decision to create an elevated highway along Almond Street accord in 1958. The construction was done in 3 different stages which lasted from 1959 to 1969. Although there was delay due to property and residential relocation, a 1.4 mile viaduct was eventually built through the center of the city.
In 1972, urban renewal had caused the city landscape to become less dense with trees and houses. What resulted were large fields of dirt and grass, parking lots, and tall buildings. The map below represents the 15 Ward, a neighborhood that was forced to relocate due to the overpass and urban renewal efforts.
The citizens of The 15 Ward were tight-knit community located just north of the university. They were predominantly African American and of lower income. Over 27 blocks were targeted in total, impacting 75% of the local black population.
The south side consists of public housing and is generally a lower income area. This is where most of the city’s crime takes place. What stands out is how crime rate is sectioned off by the overpass.
Consists of demolishing the overpass and replacing it with a boulevard that would encourage more people to visit the city.
Improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Also would add more activity to the city street grid.
Will most likely cause more traffic on interstate 481; the road that runs east of Syracuse.
Estimated cost: $1.3 billion
"I want to continue to emphasize there's got to be community involvement, particularly people who live in the shadow of 81""
Would take 10 years to complete and requires the destruction of 12 buildings
Estimated cost: $4.5 billion
Is not a viable option according to Stephanie Miner but popular alternative according to Governor Andrew Cuomo
Continued routine maintenance and the overpass is not altered
A group called Save i81 believes Interstate 81 allows for easy access for emergency vehicles and specialized health services.
The road also allows for quick accessibility for commuters to travel downtown and students to drive to the university.
This group is openly against the Community Grid alternative
Unlike engineering or science, planning is not linear. It requires intense public involvement and can comprise of overly optimistic opinions. The process is usually long and consists of analysing the benefits and costs. Planners use their efforts to test the possibility of a project and do not think like scientists or engineers.
In planning there is a term used called wicked problems created by Melvin Webber & Horst Rittel. The term is described as a problem that cannot be solved but resolved by a collective agreement.
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