On April 22, 2019, NYSDOT selected the "community grid" alternative for reconstructing I-81 through Syracuse. Under this plan, I-81 will be rerouted to bypass Syracuse along the I-481 alignment while the section of I-81 through Syracuse will be designated as a business loop of I-81. This alternative, which is expected to cost between $1.9 billion and $2.2 billion, would tear down the elevated viaduct and reconstruct Almond Street as an at-grade boulevard. Also as a part of this project, both of the interchanges between I-81 and I-481 would be reconstructed to allow I-481 to be converted to I-81. Construction is expected to start in summer 2020 and take five years to complete.