HOUSTON – The commute just got better for drivers who use the Katy Freeway as construction ceased and new lanes were officially opened.

It was a celebration of teamwork, engineering and achievement.

State and local leaders gathered to officially open the new chapter in Houston transportation history.

Governor Rick Perry called the complete of the $2.8 billion Katy reconstruction project a bold example to other states.

“This roadway is a remarkable achievement of engineering, collaboration, and project management,” said Governor Perry.

“It’s an example to other cities,” he said.

In all, 23 miles of I-10 was expanded from 11 lanes to 20 lanes. The idea is to alleviate traffic congestion and meet the transportation demands of a growing population.

The project took five years to complete.

Historically, a construction project like this one would take 10 to 12 years to finish. But with some partnerships, innovative financing and creative scheduling, they finished the largest project in the state's history in record time and ahead of schedule.

During the construction project, Gorman’s Cleaners had to work around work crews. At one point, business owners even had to make sure the construction didn’t block their customers from coming in.

“It was frustrating for my customers and for us because we had to constantly keep a watch for that because they were blocking both entrances,” Rosa Moses said.

Wednesday, the County Toll Road Authority will open the new Katy Managed Toll Lanes. Only Metro and HOV users will be allowed.

A HOV user must have at least two people in his or her vehicle. Those lanes will be open from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays.