DENVER -- It was named after a dinosaur, and now almost five years after it was born, it's about to go extinct.

The Transportation Expansion, or T-REX construction project, is on its last legs and is set to be completed later this year.

The project began with great promise but also worries about how difficult and disruptive construction would be. Now, the T-REX project is quietly reaching the end of the road.

"Its end is very close, it's almost in sight," said Joy Wasendorf, with the Southeast Corridor Constructors.

There's less than one year of work left to go.

"Everybody's been extremely patient as we've gone along; we just caution people. Yes, we have nine months left, so let's continue to be patient and we will be done with construction in September," said Wasendorf.

There is still some work left to be done in 2006.

There's the completion of three light rail pedestrian bridges, as well as 13 light rail stations. Crews must also complete the reconstruction of University Boulevard around Interstate 25, the rebuilding of the Hampden and Colorado Boulevard interchanges, and the opening of I-25 in Denver to four lanes in each direction.

"There's a mixture of pride of what has been done in the last five years, and then also (the feeling of), 'Well, we still have a lot to do,'" said Wasendorf.

Although that sounds like a lot, only 9 percent of T-REX remains undone. The final step will be finished Nov. 17, when light rail is scheduled to open along two highways.