Ongoing construction at SU brings road closures, detours into fall semester
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Over the summer, Syracuse University continued work on several construction projects from new dorms to campus-wide renovations, some of which will continue throughout the academic year.
SU announced in May that the campus would be undergoing “one of the most active construction periods in recent years” during summer 2026. The projects will create construction zones and road closures at several different points on campus.
In a statement to The Daily Orange, SU’s vice president and chief facilities officer Peter Sala answered students’ lingering questions about ongoing construction as the fall semester starts.
The D.O. broke down the projects being finalized and the ones expected to continue work during the fall 2026 semester and beyond.
315 Waverly and 501 Comstock Ave:
Construction of a new underclassmen residence hall will continue for the duration of the academic year and close the section of Comstock Avenue between Waverly Street and Marshall Street, as well as partially close off one side of the sidewalk along Marshall Street. SU will reassess in 2027 for a possible early opening, Sala said in the statement.
544 University Place Residence Hall:
The west side of the sidewalk along Ostrom Avenue will remain closed as construction continues for the duration of the academic year, Sala said. The creation of the dormitories at 544 University Place and 315 Waverly and 501 Comstock Ave is part of SU’s plan to provide main campus housing for all sophomores.
Newhouse I Plaza:
Renovations for the Newhouse I Plaza began in May 2026, including full tiling and roof replacements, a snow-melting heat system and improved drainage and electrical upgrades. SU released full details on the construction’s improvements in July. The plaza is on track to reopen in mid-October, Sala said.
I-81 Construction:
Continued New York State Department of Transportation construction projects will affect the flow of traffic throughout SU’s welcome week and the fall 2026 semester. The project will close portions of Renwick Avenue, Van Buren Street and Almond Street near West Campus during the fall semester.
DellPlain Hall:
All masonry repairs — cracks, chips and other damages in the dormitory walls — in DellPlain Hall have been completed, Sala said in the statement.
Regent Theater:
The Regent Theater’s roof replacement will be completed before classes begin on Aug. 24. The replacement has “no anticipated impact on VPA students this semester,” Sala said.
Graduate Hotel:
SU began construction on a “Graduate Hotel” in May 2026 that will fence off an area along University Avenue. The hotel’s estimated completion date remains set for fall 2027.
Underground electrical work:
All underground electrical work conducted over the summer is complete, Sala said. Electrical work was done in several places on main campus, including areas around the JMA Wireless Dome, Physics Building, and along Irving Avenue.
Questions about SU’s construction projects can be directed to the Office of Campus Planning, Design, and Construction. More information on all construction can be found on its interactive campus map, Sala said.
