State seeks bids for demolishing I-81 building

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — State officials expect to chose a demolition company early next week to tear down a building whose deteriorating condition has forced the closure of a 1-mile stretch of northbound Interstate 81 in downtown Syracuse.

Bidding for the state's demolition contract ends at noon Friday, with a company expected to be chosen by Monday.

State transportation officials shut down I-81's northbound lanes Feb. 26 after part of the 122-year-old building adjacent to the highway collapsed. That section of highway is used by about 50,000 motorists a day.

The state and city have been wrangling over who will pay for the demolition, which Syracuse officials say could cost as much as $2 million.

The property's owner has removed his motorcycle repair business from the building.