I-81 closure

Northbound motorists traveling Interstate 81 through Syracuse are being inconvenienced while the city and state squabble over responsibility for demolishing a crumbling building.

A one-mile stretch of the highway has been closed for several days after a section of a three-story brick structure fell next to the highway, raising fears that further deterioration could send bricks on to the road. The southbound lanes remain open.

Through-traffic coming north can use Interstate 481 to avoid the closure. However, anyone needing access to neighborhood shops or services and particularly those taking advantage of the city's regional medical facilities have to detour through unfamiliar city streets with delays resulting.

The state says it is willing to pay for the demolition, but neither the city of Syracuse nor the state will take responsibility for it while the private owner blocks access to the property. The problem cannot continue indefinitely. Either the city or state must take the initiative and get it done in the interest of public safety.

This is an unnecessary impediment to travel that needs to be resolved soon.