The state Department of Transportation and contractor Kiewit Pacific Co. opened the H-1 Freeway North-South Road Interchange yesterday after a dedication ceremony by state, federal and county officials.

The $60 million interchange is the second of three phases of the highly anticipated North-South Road project to open to motorists. The interchange provides freeway on- and off-ramps to the northernmost segment of North-South Road, Phase 1C, which connects the H-1 Freeway to Farrington Highway.

"The new North-South Road was talked about for more than 20 years, until the start of construction in 2005 finally gave West O'ahu residents a sign of hope that traffic congestion relief was coming," Gov. Linda Lingle said.

Construction of the diamond interchange required the building of two 160-foot, single-span bridges, creating the necessary space for underpass lanes.

The North-South Road project consists of a new four-lane highway connecting Kapolei Parkway, Farrington Highway and the H-1 Freeway in three construction phases at a total cost of $155 million.