PORTSMOUTH, OH (WOWK) – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for the Southern Ohio Veterans Memorial Highway, or State Route 823. After more than three years of construction, the $429-million dollar project is complete and set to open Friday to the public.

According to Portsmouth Gateway Group, who helped oversee the project, the Portsmouth Bypass is an approximately 16-mile four lane, divided, limited access highway. It goes around the city of Portsmouth in Scioto County, “bypassing approximately 26 miles of U.S. 52 and U.S. 23.”

“This is the biggest construction project in Ohio’s history,” said Jerry Wray, Director of ODOT. “It opens up a lot of opportunity for jobs and growth in the economy and reduces congestion. Most importantly, it improves safety.”

After the ribbon cutting, a motorcade including local veterans hit the road. It’s only fitting that the heroes the highway is named after were able to try it out first.

“It’s dedicated to veterans, which is very dear to my heart,” said Gerald Fraley, an Air Force veteran who lives in Minford, close to the new highway.

Fraley also appreciates the practical aspect of the highway: a faster commute.

“I can go drop off the hill where I’m at and I can be in Lucasville in no time, or I can go the other way and be in Wheelersburg in a very short time, because it’s 70 mph,” said Fraley.

“Some people will save at least 30 minutes of drive time for their commute to school or work,” said Wray. “We don’t know what will happen, but we expect growth and development and jobs to follow.”

The people in Scioto County hope it does. Some believe a new highway in their backyard could mean more dollars going to their local communities.

“It could bring more industry, because we’re coming from Columbus and yoo can go straight and bypass everything,” said Fraley. “But if people do want to go into town, it’s right there, and you still have good roads to Portsmouth.”

The historic highway is expected to open to the general public around “mid-morning” Friday, according to ODOT.