What is the Central New York Forward project?
Central New York Forward is a NYSDOT project that will address transportation needs in the Towns of Cicero and Clay, New York. The project will address identified existing and future transportation needs for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users, considering the traffic growth that is expected to occur from new developments in the area. The project will explore ways to make travel safer for all users along parts of NYS Route 31, U.S. Route 11, Interstate 81, and NYS Route 481.
What are the purpose and objectives of the project?
The purpose of the project is to address existing and reasonably foreseeable transportation needs, including multimodal, within the project limits on NYS Route 31, on U.S. Route 11, and at the interchanges of NYS Route 31 with NYS Route 481 and Interstate 81.
The objectives of the project are:
- Improve traffic operations and safety to accommodate and address potential traffic growth associated with planned economic development/land use changes;
- Reduce commercial truck traffic on local residential streets and improve accommodations for truck traffic on the state highway system within the project limits;
- Improve multimodal transportation features for public transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists within the project limits; and
- Address the aging bridge infrastructure within the project limits.
Where are the proposed transportation improvements being considered?
Transportation improvements are being considered along NYS Route 31, U.S. Route 11, and at the interchanges of NYS Route 31 with NYS Route 481 and Interstate 81. The project limits include NYS Route 31 between Oswego Road (County Road 57) and South Bay Road (County Road 208); U.S. Route 11 between Mud Mill Road (County Road 17) and Factory Street; Interstate 81 (I-81) between the Bartell Road Interchange and the I-81 Exit 96/Future Business Loop (BL-81) Interchange; and NYS Route 481 between its interchange with NYS Route 31 and U.S. Route 11.
Where can I learn about the project?
The project website contains information about the project background and development schedule. Additional information on past and future public involvement activities and events can be found under the Community Outreach tab of the webpage. Project documents can be found on the Documents tab. Questions can be asked through the Contact Us page, or you can visit the Community Outreach Center at 4483 NYS Route 31, Clay, NY 13041.
What is an Environmental Impact Statement?
An Environmental Impact Statement is a document that is used to assess reasonable project alternatives and identify the social, economic and environmental effects of a project, including ways to mitigate adverse effects. The preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement includes data collection and analysis. It also includes agency and public involvement. The FHWA and NYSDOT will use the Environmental Impact Statement to make an informed decision about the project, in consideration of public and agency input.
Why is an Environmental Impact Statement being conducted?
The FHWA and NYSDOT are joint lead agencies for this project and will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). This Environmental Impact Statement is being conducted because the lead agencies have determined that this project may have significant impacts on the environment.
What decisions will come out of the environmental review process?
The FHWA and NYSDOT will use the environmental review process to select an alternative to be advanced into final design and construction.
How is this project related to the Micron Semiconductor Manufacturing Project Environmental Impact Statement?
This project is a separate, independent action from the Micron project. The Micron Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision were prepared and issued for the construction of a semiconductor facility within the Towns of Cicero and Clay. This project will address the identified transportation needs in the area, considering the traffic growth that is expected to occur from new developments, including the Micron facility as well as other developments in the area.
What is a Notice of Intent and how can I review it?
A Notice of Intent is a formal public announcement by a government agency signaling a planned major action, such as starting a large project. The Notice of Intent and related documents are available on the Documents page of this website.
When will construction begin, and how long will it take?
The project is currently in the environmental review stage. Therefore, no decisions have been made about whether the project will proceed into design and construction.
Who makes the final decisions about the project?
FHWA and NYSDOT, as joint lead agencies for the project, will make a determination following completion of the environmental review process.
How will public comments be incorporated into the project?
The public will be given opportunities to provide input throughout the environmental review process. The joint lead agencies, FHWA and NYSDOT, will consider all comments received as part of the project decision-making process.
How can I provide input?
Comments can be submitted through the project website, by U.S. Mail, or by visiting the Community Outreach Center. You will also be able to provide comments at public meetings and hearings.
How can I stay informed?
Go to the Contact Us page to sign up to receive project updates via e-mail.
