Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of the I-81 Connect mobile app, a key component of the transformative Interstate 81 Viaduct Project in Syracuse. This innovative tool, the first-ever mobile application paired with a New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) infrastructure project, aims to enhance community engagement, improve daily commuting experiences, and promote safety.
“The New York State Department of Transportation is building on the robust public outreach that has accompanied every stage of this project, as we step into the future of community engagement with the new I-81 Connect mobile app,” Governor Hochul stated. “Our commitment to ensuring the residents of this community are involved in every aspect of this undertaking will remain strong until the viaduct comes down and the neighborhoods surrounding it are reconnected for good.”
A Game-Changer for Public Communication
The I-81 Connect mobile app provides real-time project updates, travel alerts, and direct communication with the I-81 Project team. This modernized approach removes intermediaries, ensuring the public receives information directly from the source. The app’s “Connect with Us” feature allows users to call the I-81 Viaduct Project hotline or email the project team with a single tap.
NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez praised the app, saying, “The I-81 Connect mobile app is a game changer and reinforces Governor Hochul’s commitment to providing a safe and reliable transportation network, accessible to all. Today, we raised the bar on community engagement!”
Comprehensive Features for Community Involvement
The app serves as a one-stop resource for users to access various project details, including:
- Real-time traffic alerts and notifications.
- Contract updates and project renderings.
- Information on the Local Hire Initiative.
- Resources for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and contractors.
- Archived documents and technical details.
- An inquiry form for job seekers.
By downloading the app, users can opt-in for email notifications, ensuring they remain informed throughout the project’s construction phases.
Bridging the Communication Gap
One of the app’s most significant benefits is its ability to provide real-time updates, reducing reliance on word-of-mouth or community events. Whether living in downtown Syracuse or the surrounding rural areas, residents now have instant access to critical information about the I-81 Viaduct Project.
“The I-81 Viaduct project is moving along quickly. That means drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians need a way to stay up to date with reliable information,” said State Senator Rachel May. “This new app will be helpful for road users in Central New York, providing updates on road construction and traffic alerts that will make navigating the project much more manageable.”
A Pioneering Infrastructure Project
The I-81 Viaduct Project, a major infrastructure overhaul, involves removing a 1.4-mile stretch of elevated highway that has divided Syracuse for generations. The initiative aims to replace it with a Community Grid, reconnecting neighborhoods, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing multi-modal transportation options.
Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli highlighted the broader significance of the project, stating, “The I-81 Viaduct Project significantly impacts the entire Central New York region. The investment reinforces New York State’s commitment to protecting and enhancing our statewide infrastructure, strengthening economic development, and our quality of life.”
How to Access the App
The I-81 Connect mobile app, powered by GGGov, is available for free on both iPhone and Android devices. It can be downloaded via the App Store and Google Play.
