New I-690 ramp near downtown Syracuse is open

Commuters from Syracuse to the eastern suburbs have a new ramp just east of downtown to enter Interstate 690.

The state opened a new I-690 entrance Tuesday from North Crouse Avenue.

It will forever change the way thousands of people get to work, school, hospital appointments and Syracuse University basketball and football games.

The work is part of the massive project to rebuild Interstate 81 through Syracuse.

The state plans to tear down the elevated I-81 bridges, starting next year. That means the I-81 overpass that drops drivers at Harrison and Adams streets will go away.

The new I-690 interchange will give drivers another option to get downtown.

The new entrance opened at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. It replaces the entrance at McBride Street, which is now closed.

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