Interstate 81 is a major roadway for Syracuse and the surrounding community, but its future remains unclear. The elevated piece of highway in downtown Syracuse, known as the viaduct, has aging infrastructure that needs to be addressed.

There are currently several alternatives to the current viaduct being considered by the New York State Department of Transportation, but DOT officials say their preferred option is removing the highway and replacing it with a boulevard.

This solution, known as the community grid, would de-designate that portion of highway and re-direct traffic around Syracuse on I-481, which would be branded as the new I-81.

Officials in the Town of Salina are concerned this solution would have a drastic impact on their community’s economy.

Many businesses in Salina are reliant to their proximity to I-81; Town Supervisor Colleen Gunnip says businesses in the community are expecting a 30-percent decrease in business due to traffic being bypassed.

Gunnip is also frustrated about the communication between Salina and the DOT.

"My main concern was when they issued the draft environmental impact statement on the project that Salina wasn't addressed in that at all,” she says.

Salina residents will get the opportunity to voice their concerns with the project next month. The DOT announced they will be holding a community meeting in the town on Wednesday September 11 from 6 p.m.-8p.m. at Chestnut Hill Middle School.