The “Gap” – the bane of drivers along Interstate 25 between Castle Rock and Monument for the past three years – will open almost a year ahead of schedule, Gov. Jared Polis and other officials announced today. 

“We are proud to deliver the Gap highway project ahead of schedule and under budget. All lanes of traffic both ways through the 1-25 South Gap between Monument and Castle Rock will be open an entire year earlier than promised,” Polis said in a news release. “We are reducing traffic, improving infrastructure and safety and this stretch of I-25 is key to powering our economic recovery forward as it connects people, businesses and communities.” 

Construction to expand the 18-mile stretch from two to three lanes in each direction, with the new lane operating as an express lane, began in September 2018. It was initially scheduled to be completed in November next year. 

Prior to the expansion, the Gap is the only four-lane section of I-25 connecting Denver and Colorado Springs, the state’s two biggest cities. Conditions on this portion of the highway deteriorated over the years with congestion, crashes and delays as the state’s population grew. 

Money for the $419 million project came from Douglas and El Paso counties, Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority and a federal grant.  

This story will be updated.