Syracuse, New York - Traffic in Syracuse and Central New York continues to experience congestion after Monday's solar eclipse, causing delays on several major highways. While some roads are now clear, certain sections of Interstate 81 South, particularly in Tully and Cortland, are still showing heavy traffic, according to 511NY.

As of the latest update at 6:15 p.m., vehicles on Interstate 81 South in Syracuse are gradually increasing their speed. However, traffic remains delayed between Exit 22 (Hiawatha Boulevard) and Exit 18 (Almond Street). At 5:45 p.m., traffic jams persisted between Exit 25 (7th North Street) and Exit 16 (Nedrow) on southbound Interstate 81, with additional patches of congestion south of Syracuse in LaFayette and Tully.

South Salina Street on Syracuse's South Side also experienced significant backups, extending from West Kennedy Street to the ramp leading to Interstate 81 near West Calthrop Avenue. Conversely, the Thruway and Onondaga Lake Parkway were reported as busy but running smoothly.

By 5 p.m., Interstate 81 South was moving at a much slower pace, occasionally coming to a standstill, between Exit 25 (7th North Street) and Exit 16 (Nedrow). Interstate 690, on both sides of the Interstate 81 interchange, was also congested. Furthermore, South Salina Street near Brighton Avenue faced significant delays. Traffic on southbound Interstate 81 between Exit 31 (Brewerton) and Exit 29 (Interstate 481) continued to move slowly due to an earlier crash. The Thruway and Onondaga Lake Parkway were also bustling with activity.

At 4:30 p.m., a crash on the right lane of southbound Interstate 81 at the Interstate 481 interchange in Cicero contributed to further congestion. Meanwhile, Interstate 81 South remained sluggish, experiencing occasional stops between Exit 25 (7th North Street) and Exit 16 (Nedrow). State Route 13 in Sylvan Beach, along the eastern shore of Oneida Lake, also faced significant backups.

Throughout the afternoon, southbound Interstate 81 reported slow-moving traffic, particularly between Exit 22 (Hiawatha Boulevard) and Exit 18 (Almond Street) at 4 p.m. Interstate 690 East experienced slower speeds between Exit 10 (Geddes Street) and the Interstate 81 interchange. While other parts of Interstate 690 and the Thruway appeared busy, no major delays were reported. Additionally, Onondaga Lake Parkway witnessed increased traffic. Downtown Oswego saw congestion on Bridge Street and other roads, while State Route 481 South into Fulton also experienced delays. Furthermore, southbound State Route 12 in Boonville and southbound State Route 28 in Old Forge both experienced backups.

Traffic congestion following the 2024 eclipse has caused inconvenience for motorists in Syracuse and Central New York. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and stay updated on road conditions.