James Street Improvement Project

Project typeResurfacing, Restoration and Rehabilitation
Project valueApproximately $40 million with 80% covered by federal funds and 20% by state and the remainder City funds.
Project scheduleWinter 2027 to Fall 2029
Contractor nameContractor name - C&S Engineers - Design; Construction contractor will be selected based on public bid

The City of Syracuse is planning a ‘dig once’ road rehabilitation and utility project on James Street between State Street and Grant Boulevard. Construction is expected to begin in the Spring of 2028. James Street is a primary corridor that runs northeast to southwest from the eastern City Line to downtown Syracuse. It serves businesses, schools, and neighborhoods, and provides a key connection between the City’s east side and downtown Syracuse, as well as access to Interstate 81. This project together with the New York State Department of Transportation’s I-81 Viaduct Project looks to improve mobility on James Street.

Project Objectives

The primary objectives of this project are to:

Enhance accessibility for all users by upgrading pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities throughout the corridor
Rehabilitate the roadway surface.
Replace utilities including lead service lines and water main.

Existing Conditions

James Street is showing significant wear from age, traffic, and past utility repairs, resulting in pavement cracking, rutting, and damaged curbing. Sidewalks vary in condition, with many sections and curb ramps not meeting ADA standards. The corridor lacks bike infrastructure, and traffic signals are outdated. Underground, numerous lead service lines remain, and the water main between Oak Street and Grant Boulevard is old and prone to leaks.

What is Being Done?

James Street will undergo full pavement rehabilitation, including milling and a new asphalt overlay, along with replacement of damaged granite curbing. The corridor will shift from four lanes to a three‑lane “road diet” with a center turn lane, while keeping the same overall width. The Grant Boulevard/Shotwell Park intersection will be redesigned into a single, modernized signalized intersection, and Greenway Memorial Park will expand with new landscaping, sidewalks, and trees. Traffic signs, markings, and signals will be upgraded throughout.

Pedestrian and bicycle access will improve significantly. The south-side sidewalk will become a 10‑foot shared‑use path, curb ramps will be rebuilt to ADA standards, and intersections will receive audible pedestrian signals and countdown timers.

Infrastructure upgrades include replacing all drainage structures, all lead water service lines, and the water main between Oak Street and Grant Boulevard. Over 200 new trees will be planted, with additional pruning and root‑protective tree pits added. Driveways will be adjusted as needed to match new grades.

No property acquisition is required. Permission from property owners will be requested for lead service replacements, driveway tie‑ins, and path or sidewalk connections before construction begins.

Centeo BRT and National Grid

Centro currently is engaging in preliminary design for new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes and enhanced bus stations in Syracuse. The BRT route along James Street (Eastwood-South Side Corridor) is between Townsend Street and Teall Avenue. It is anticipated that appropriate Centro-funded improvements will be incorporated into this project.

National Grid also has plans to replace the gas mains and services along the corridor, prior to the commencement of this project.