Dunkin Demolished for I-81 Project in Syracuse

The state-purchased Almond Street Dunkin was torn down as part of the Interstate 81 reconstruction, while a nearby Creekwalk section is closed.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Wide view of an elevated concrete highway viaduct over a cleared gravel lot beside a creek with bare winter trees and a steel guardrail. — NYSDOT demolished a state-purchased Dunkin on Almond Street in Syracuse to make room for Interstate 81 reconstruction, while a Creekwalk section between Wallace and Plum streets remains closed. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A Dunkin on Almond Street in Syracuse was purchased by the state and demolished to make way for I-81 project construction. The move is part of ongoing work to reshape the elevated highway corridor through the city.

Why it matters

The demolition removes a commercial property from the Almond Street corridor as the state carries out the I-81 project in Syracuse. Residents and commuters in the city will see changes to both roadway access and nearby public walkways as construction proceeds.

The state purchased the Almond Street Dunkin property before demolition, and NYSDOT has closed a portion of the Onondaga Creekwalk between Wallace and Plum streets on a long-term basis. The extraction provides no purchase price or timeline for the broader project.

The players

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)

The state agency responsible for the state highway system, including the I-81 corridor and the closure of the Onondaga Creekwalk section.

The details

NYSDOT closed a section of the Onondaga Creekwalk between Wallace and Plum streets, barring walkers and cyclists from that stretch. The Dunkin property was acquired by the state and torn down to clear space for I-81 construction.

Next week: the permanent closure of the I-81 northbound to I-690 eastbound off-ramp takes effect.
Monday, approximately November 16, 2026: drivers lose the I-81 northbound to I-690 eastbound connection.

Roadmap

The Almond Street demolition and permanent I-81 northbound to I-690 eastbound off-ramp closure are concrete steps in the Syracuse I-81 reconstruction effort. They mark the physical reshaping of the elevated highway corridor as construction advances through the city.

Drivers who use the I-81 northbound to I-690 eastbound connection will need to find an alternate route once the off-ramp closes permanently. Walkers and cyclists on the Onondaga Creekwalk will need to avoid the closed stretch between Wallace and Plum streets.

The takeaway

Syracuse commuters and Creekwalk users should plan for permanent route changes as the I-81 project removes access points and closes public paths. Checking NYSDOT updates before traveling through the corridor can help avoid surprises.

What happens next

The I-81 northbound to I-690 eastbound off-ramp closure takes effect next week, with drivers losing that connection starting Monday, approximately November 16, 2026.