The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has officially opened the US Highway 95 northbound lanes between Rancho Drive and the Spaghetti Bowl interchange in downtown Las Vegas.

The project has been completed two months ahead of the schedule and has put an end to ‘The Big Squeeze’.

Since 20 March, ‘The Big Squeeze’ has restricted US Highway 95 to just two travel lanes in each direction between Rancho Drive and the Spaghetti Bowl interchange.

The highway authority implemented 24/7 road closures for the roadway improvements related to the approximately $1bn Project Neon that included widening of 3.7-mile road stretch on Interstate 15 from the Spaghetti Bowl interchange to Sahara Avenue.

“We are excited about reopening this busy, crucial stretch of freeway nearly two months early, prior to Thanksgiving and ‘Black Friday’.”

NDOT spokesman Tony Illia said: “We are excited about reopening this busy, crucial stretch of freeway nearly two months early, prior to Thanksgiving and ‘Black Friday’.

“It will create a tangible economic boon for local businesses along the project corridor, providing improved access and enhanced mobility during the busiest shopping days of the year.”

NDOT noted that the southbound US Highway 95 to Interstate 15 northbound ramp will remain closed until late next year. It was originally planned to open with the completion of ‘The Big Squeeze’ but will close again early next year.

The ramp will remain closed so that the contractor can work without interruption.