Major traffic interruptions are predicted on Interstate 81 as President Biden arrives in Syracuse today. Commuters should avoid the highways this afternoon owing to closures ordered by state troopers to accommodate the president’s arrival.
President Biden landed at Syracuse Airport around 12:40 p.m., triggering the shutdown of I-81 south from Route 481 to Franklin Street in Syracuse. The closure is in effect as the president prepares to deliver an address in downtown Syracuse.
Around 12:45 p.m., traffic was reported to be congested on I-81 south near Route 481 at Cicero Exit 29, with vehicles virtually coming to a halt.
According to Sgt. Jack Keller, a state police spokesperson, the closure is expected to extend until around 1:30 p.m.
Several roads in downtown Syracuse, including South Franklin, West Jefferson, and Walton streets, have been closed to traffic until around 4 p.m. Thursday in preparation for the president’s arrival.
Around 2:45 p.m., President Biden will leave the city and return to the airport, causing I-81 North to close for about 5 miles.
This visit recalls the president’s earlier visit in October 2022, when his departure from the city resulted in severe traffic bottlenecks on I-690 West. Stay tuned for further information on the traffic situation in Syracuse.