DENVER -- T-REX will give commuters a post-Halloween treat Friday morning by opening an additional travel lane in both directions on I-25 from Dry Creek Road to Evans Avenue.

The new lane will be a temporary Bus/High Occupancy Vehicle lane during peak travel times, and a general-purpose lane during other times.

"Providing an additional travel lane in either direction after 17 months of construction, while maintaining six lanes of traffic, is an amazing accomplishment," said Larry Warner, the T-REX Project Director. "Southeast Corridor Constructors should be congratulated on their efforts as they continue working to complete this project on schedule."

The new Bus/HOV lanes are located in the far left lane in either direction of I-25, denoted by a solid white line. Buses and motorists who travel Monday through Friday with two or more persons in their vehicles will be allowed to use these lanes during the morning peak hours of 6 a.m. - 9 a.m., and during the evening hours of 3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. At all other times, these lanes are open to all motorists.

"A temporary Bus/HOV lane during construction will help alleviate traffic congestion along the T-REX Project corridor," said Amy Ford, T-REX Public Information Manager. "It also encourages motorists to take advantage of riding the bus, carpooling, alternative transportation options, and specifically the T-REX TransOptions subsidy program. In the end, this will also make an easier transition for commuters to the new light rail system."

"When SECC proposed design/build innovations on this project, such as temporary Bus/HOV lanes, our goal was to minimize inconvenience to the traveling public," said Bill Murphy, SECC Project Manager. "Providing an additional travel lane to all drivers, as well as providing an alternative transit option, will minimize the congestion experienced on the roadway during the construction phase of this project."