The HOV lanes, which are between Stone Oak Parkway and Loop 1604 near San Antonio are part of the first phase of a two-phase, $527 million regional project, called the US 281 North Expansion Project.

The project has so far included new highway lanes, flyover ramps and other improvements, and a direct ramp from Stone Oak Park and Ride to the HOV lanes. An express bus service will launch on Monday as well, reports local media KSAT.

As the outlet notes, the area is one of the fastest growing parts of the San Antonio region and and drivers have felt the brunt of it.

“With help from our partners at [VIA Metro Transit,] today we celebrated Phase I completion of the US 281 North Expansion - a project aimed at reducing congestion and increasing mobility on one of the most congested corridors in Texas,” the Texas Department of Transportation’s San Antonio office tweeted.

As KSAT notes, these HOV lanes will operate 24 hours a day, unlike in many other places.

“The rapid growth happening along the US 281 North corridor is driving the growth in our region and the need for more and better transportation options, which this partnership project provides,” said VIA Metro Transit CEO and President Jeffrey C. Arndt. “HOV lanes offer an alternative to idling in traffic, support transit-oriented communities and economic development, and help keep SA moving. That’s always the goal.”

The second phase of the project will cover Highway 281 north of Stone Oak Parkway, up to Borgfeld Drive and will finish in 2023, according to KSAT.