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A more efficient design for South I-81 junction re-alignment

Post-Standard letter

February 21, 2024

NYSDOT planned I-81/I-481 redesign
Figure 1: NYSDOT planned I-81/I-481 redesign.

To the Editor:

I applaud the new NYSDOT design for Brighton Ave with roundabouts at Rock Cut Rd and Glenn Ave, part of the southern I-81/I-481 junction re-design to route I-81 along current I-481 path. At first glance, it looks like a modern "Double Roundabout Junction", a state-of-the-art solution to connect a highway with a high-traffic city street. Excellent!

But something seems amiss; the overall junction layout (location of ramps, unexpected bridging) appears oddly complex for a Double Roundabout junction. What's going on?

Then, it struck me that some ramps are placed at new Almond St (A.K.A BL 81) and new Glenn Ave bridge with its own ramps. This splitting of I-81 junction between two streets and two bridges has created several undesirable design consequences:

  1. Both NB I-81 on-ramp and off-ramp enter and exit I-81 from the left, which is non-conforming to standard;
  2. Despite the concession to non-conformance, said ramps are quite long and require two bridges to accommodate them;
  3. New Glenn Ave bridge is transformed into a second I-81 highway junction, with new ramps, adding unnecessary cost and complexity, as opposed to an intersection of two city streets (Glenn Ave and new Almond St);
  4. From a functional, driving perspective, the NB I-81 off-ramp is as big and inviting as I-81 itself (both have 2 lanes); it entices thru-traffic into the city rather than keeping it directed on I-81. This is highly undesirable and must be remedied;
As a solution, I suggest we consolidate the split junction design to Brighton Ave, making the new Brighton Ave bridge/roundabouts design into the full Double Roundabout junction that it virtually is (see accompanying graphic).

Rendering of proposed I-81/I-481 redesign
Figure 2: Graphic of proposed I-81/I-481 redesign.

In addition, simplify Almond St / Glenn Ave intersection by bringing the two streets to equal grade and joined by a roundabout. It eliminates a bridge and ramps. I-81 destined traffic will take Glenn Ave to the state-of-the-art Brighton Ave junction. As a bonus, no-longer walled-in by highway and ramps, up to 15 acres of land become accessible for partial development or as a recreational park, such as a mountain bike course or general fitness course.

Optionally, keep SB I-81 on-ramp at Almond St roundabout, since a road already exists. Make the road initially two-way for park access, then into a one-way on-ramp.

By simply unifying and completing the Brighton Ave Double Roundabout junction, we eliminate three bridges, two non-conforming ramps, reduce ramps and road miles, and will better direct local and thru-traffic toward their separate paths.

Carlo Moneti
Syracuse