December 16, 2025 — As crews continue work on the massive I-81 viaduct project in Syracuse, New York State is demonstrating how major infrastructure initiatives can directly benefit local communities through strategic workforce development. New York's Local Hire Initiative requires at least 15% of all work hours on the I-81 project to be completed by Syracuse residents, with specific focus on neighborhoods most impacted by the highway's original construction decades ago.
The I-81 viaduct demolition and replacement project represents one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in Central New York. Beyond the physical reconstruction of highways and roadways, state officials emphasize that the project is fundamentally about reconnecting communities that were historically divided by the original interstate construction.
"When we do these kinds of projects, this is really the point: to reconnect the community," said New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. "And in reconnecting the community, we want to make sure we also connect that community to good jobs that this project provides."
The scale of the undertaking is immense. The I-81 project encompasses multiple years of construction work, and state officials report that all contractors on the I-81 project are currently meeting or exceeding the 15% local hire requirement, with several years of work still ahead.
Most of the positions tied to the I-81 project are union positions with prevailing wages. According to Labor Commissioner Reardon, prevailing wages on I-81 work range from $37 to $54 per hour—well above the national median and providing genuine family-supporting income.
These are not entry-level positions. They are skilled trades requiring training and certification, including:
A key aspect of the Local Hire Initiative is its explicit focus on opening opportunities to individuals who may not traditionally have access to careers in the building trades. Commissioner Reardon highlighted the program's inclusive approach:
"These are real jobs with real training. They lead to registered apprenticeships, union membership, and long-term career paths that last well beyond the end of this project."
Specifically, the program targets:
By design, the program goes beyond simply posting job openings. The state worked closely with the New York State Department of Transportation to identify specific Syracuse zip codes—neighborhoods historically affected by the original Interstate 81 construction—and prioritize residents from these areas for employment.
New York's Local Hire Initiative requires that at least 15% of all work hours on the I-81 project be performed by Syracuse residents. This is not a suggestion or guideline—it is a contractual requirement for all contractors bidding on and executing I-81 work.
The rationale is straightforward: When taxpayers invest billions in infrastructure, a meaningful portion of the resulting jobs should benefit the communities directly affected by that infrastructure. Unlike projects in other regions where workers commute from distant areas, the Local Hire requirement ensures that Syracuse residents capture a significant share of employment opportunities.
Current performance demonstrates the initiative's effectiveness. Contractors are not just meeting the 15% requirement—many are exceeding it, showing that local hire mandates can be met while maintaining project quality and schedule.
The New York State Department of Labor operates a dedicated I-81 job intake portal where interested candidates can submit their information and express interest in available positions. The portal is designed to be accessible, requiring only basic contact information and a statement of interest.
Additionally, the Department of Labor holds weekly in-person information sessions every Tuesday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at CNY Works on James Street in Syracuse. These sessions provide:
No prior construction experience is required to apply. The state works with contractors and unions to develop training programs for workers new to the construction industry.
A critical distinction of the I-81 initiative is that it creates not just temporary jobs during construction, but genuine career pathways that extend well beyond the project timeline. Union membership and registered apprenticeship certifications earned through I-81 work remain valuable credentials throughout workers' careers.
For example, an ironworker who enters the union through an I-81 apprenticeship can continue working on commercial construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects throughout Central New York and beyond. Similarly, heavy equipment operators gain certifications transferable to any construction site in the region.
This approach contrasts with temporary construction projects that leave workers without ongoing employment or career advancement. The I-81 project, by contrast, is intentionally structured to build the regional construction workforce for the future.
Infrastructure projects of the I-81 scale generate significant economic activity:
By prioritizing local hiring and union wages, the Local Hire Initiative ensures that these economic benefits flow directly to Syracuse residents rather than to outside workers or non-union labor forces.
The I-81 Local Hire Initiative reflects a growing recognition that infrastructure projects have both direct and indirect effects on communities. The direct effect is the physical infrastructure—new roads and improved transportation. The indirect effect is the opportunity structure created for local residents.
As Governor Hochul's administration has emphasized, major state investments should be structured to maximize benefits for the communities that depend on them. By requiring local hiring and union prevailing wages, New York ensures that I-81 work creates lasting economic opportunity, not just temporary employment.
This approach has important implications for construction professionals in Central New York. It demonstrates state commitment to building trades and union employment, signals multi-year infrastructure investment in the region, and shows that major projects will be staffed with quality workers earning prevailing wages—benefiting project quality and stability.
For construction firms, contractors, and union representatives, the I-81 project represents:
State officials emphasize that while the I-81 project is well underway, several years of work remain. This means:
Job seekers and construction professionals interested in I-81 opportunities should apply now through the job intake portal, as the project will continue adding workers throughout its duration as different phases require different skill sets.
The I-81 viaduct project in Syracuse represents more than infrastructure reconstruction. It is a deliberate effort to ensure that major public investment directly benefits the communities most affected by that infrastructure. Through union prevailing wages ($37-$54/hour), a local hire mandate (15% minimum), and targeted outreach to underrepresented groups, New York is demonstrating how infrastructure can be a tool for economic justice and community rebuilding.
For Syracuse residents seeking good-paying careers, union membership, and training in skilled trades, the I-81 project offers genuine opportunity. For construction professionals and contractors, it signals state commitment to quality infrastructure, skilled workforces, and sustained regional investment.
For more information and to apply for I-81 project jobs:
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