SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Commuters heading in and out of Syracuse today need to plan for the closure of 81 North in the city. The DOT shut down that stretch of highway between the I-690 interchange and Court Street last Friday because of an abandoned building on the 900 block of North State Street.

Parts of the wall started crumbling late last week and the building is very close to the highway. Nearby roads will be closed until the state can demolish the building but that will take a week or two and in the mean time, drivers are being reminded that the Pearl Street and Butternut Street on-ramps to I-81 North are closed until the building is torn down. Also, the left bound lane of the Harrison Street on-ramp is closed.

If you're heading to Syracuse from the South, you'll be re-routed onto I-481. Drivers from the East and West need to take I-690 to Exit 10, North Geddes Street, and get on I-81 at Hiawatha Boulevard.

Again, the demolition should take a week or two. Drivers are reminded that the unusual traffic arrangements will lead to delays, especially at rush hour, and to plan accordingly.