University Avenue is undergoing major construction as part of a three-phase project to enhance the Syracuse Connective Corridor.

The construction, which began mid-June, would help better connect the Syracuse University Hill to downtown Syracuse, said Robbi Farschman, director of the Connective Corridor project. Currently, Farschman said, contractors are converting University Avenue into a two-way street.

Farschman said that for many years, the downtown area has been empty and in need of new life. The construction, she said, will help draw more people to the area.

‘We want this to be two-way travel, literally,’ she said.

She said she hopes the construction will draw more people to the downtown area and promote spending. This way different stores and businesses will see more revenue, Farschman said.

Farschman said the Connective Corridor is receiving funding for the construction from SU, Empire State Development Corporation, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), city and federal funds, and Onondaga County for the project.

Owen Kerney, deputy director of the city Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, said the construction will result in new bike lanes, new sidewalks and new green infrastructure along the Connective Corridor.

He said the conversion of University Avenue into a two-way street will free up traffic flow and allow for easier transportation to the downtown area.

No part of the project is completely finished, but construction on finishing the southern blocks, including Waverly Avenue, Marshall Street and Adams Street, Kerney said.

‘There’s really been a focus over the past few weeks to get as much done as they can, though it won’t be done when school starts,’ Kerney said.

Kerney said the construction on University Avenue will continue from East Genesee Street to Erie Boulevard. He said the Connective Corridor hopes to finish the University Avenue construction by the end of the construction season, which is around mid-November.

 ‘Larger projects like this take a lot of time,’ Kerney said. ‘What likely won’t be complete will be some of the landscaping.’

He said no trees and shrubs will be planted in November, as it will be too cold, and the project will continue in the spring.

The next part of phase one began in the third week of August, with construction to Forman Park. Kerney said the contractors are prepping the site for construction and fencing off the area.

Contractors will install new benches, tables and a new centerpiece in the park, according to the Connective Corridor website.

Phases two and three of the project include construction to the Syracuse Stage plaza, the Warehouse Hub and East Genesee Street, according to the website. According to the website, the construction is hoped to be completed by next summer.

snbouvia@syr.edu

Published on August 28, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Stephanie: snbouvia@syr.edu | @snbouvia