Though it hasn't operated in decades, a piece of New York Central Railroad still exists in Syracuse. The platform is located along I-690, and on it stands several statues of commuters, recognizable to anyone who passes along the highway. The DOT announced plans this week to restore the platform. TWC News' Iris St. Meran sat down with the sculptor, who's concerned about the fate of those statues after the restoration.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The historic New York Central Railroad platform that sits along I-690 has seen better days. Tuesday, the DOT said upgrades are on the way, including a new roof, fence and retaining wall. For years, this space in Syracuse has received attention mainly due to the commuters waiting for the train.

"The two kids represent myself. It was my sister and I waiting for the night train," said sculptor Duke Epolito.

Epolito and another artist created these sculptures more than 30 years ago.

"It was originally considered graffiti," he continued. "It was an impulse to go up there and not get permission, unfortunately. Then finally, the public kind of took advantage of them and said we like them."

Someone places scarves on the statues every winter. But Epolito also said they attract vandals. Both, he explained, causedamage to them. He's had a few of them stolen from the platform and has had to either repair or replace them over the years. That's the not-so-fun part, but it's a labor of love. He learned from friends that the state planned to restore the platform.

"My main concern is what are they going to do with the statues?" Epolito said. "I think if we take them out and move them somewhere else, it's going to lose its value on the artistic end of it."

TWC News reached out to the DOT and spokesperson Gary Holmes said in a statement, "The statues will be safely stored while construction is underway, and once we get closer to project completion, we’ll work with the community to determine where they fit best."

Epolito said these statues not only have sentimental value to him, but also to the many people who pass by them frequently. He told me if they can't stay on the platform, he would like to see them on another train trestle where they could be protected from vandals.