After 35 months of lane restrictions on I-15 in Utah county, residents can take relief in knowing the project is almost complete and there will be fewer orange barrels on their Monday-morning commute.
UDOT announced the opening of all lanes on the I-15 Core Friday morning. There still remain some finishing touches like landscaping, painting and fencing that will be done overnight to keep all lanes open for drivers.
Leigh Dethman, spokesperson for the I-15 Core project, said, 'As soon as (the lanes) became available, we wanted to open them up so people could enjoy the new freeway.'
The opening of the lanes has come just in time for the busy holiday season, and with two additional lanes in each direction, travelers should find fewer delays.
'Opening all these lanes before this busy holiday season will really improve traffic flow and mobility,' Dethman said,'especially as so many cars will be coming in here.'
The construction along the 24-mile stretch of highway will finally come to a close in December, for the first time since Spring 2010.
'When we're done, this will be the fastest billion-dollar public highway project ever completed in the U.S.,' Dethman said.
While the project is not finished yet, the opening of these lanes gives hope that the end really is near.