DENVER -- On Tuesday, the highway portion of the $1.67 billion Transportation Expansion Project will be complete.

The day that once seemed so far off is nearly here. On Monday, crews put the finishing touches on and along Interstate 25.

The five-year construction project has paid some major dividends already. What is known as the narrows portion of I-25 is not nearly as constricted and traffic-choked as it once was during rush hour. The last three of the on-and off-ramps will open up on Tuesday, helping with traffic congestion.

The T-REX project covered 17 miles of highway that have been widened and refurbished.

"Typically when we talk about a project ending, there's still little housekeeping things that need to be done such as painting the walls, painting the bridges," said T-REX spokeswoman Toni Gatzen.

The T-REX Project broke ground two weeks after Sept. 11, 2001. Many of those who lived along I-25 or drove it regarded the project with some dread.

However, there was a tinge of regret Monday among those who devoted so much time to the construction.

"You know, I like the work so I'm glad it's over, but then (I'm) not because I'm not going to have the work," said supervisor Greg Arpin.

"It's time for us to say goodbye, and it's kind of sad," said Gatzen.

There is still some work to be done on the project.

"We have to go through some testing on the light-rail system, training of employees. We need to finish up the stations," said Gatzen.

There are 19 miles of light rail on track to go on-line Nov. 17.