PHOENIX -- Highway officials will open another stretch of two new northbound Interstate-17 lanes between Jomax Road and Carefree Highway on Friday in time for the afternoon rush hour.

The new northbound I-17 lanes, including a carpool lane, along the five-mile section north of Jomax Road, represent the latest milestone for the massive $142 million project to add much-needed traffic capacity between Loop 101 and Carefree Highway.

The Arizona Department of Transportation previously opened two new northbound lanes between Loop 101 and Jomax Road on Nov. 9 and two new southbound lanes between Happy Valley Road and Loop 101 on Oct. 29.

The last stretch of two new southbound lanes between Carefree Highway and Happy Valley Road is expected to open next month.

Sections that do not have a one-inch rubberized asphalt overlay yet will be paved next spring, when temperatures warm up enough to provide the conditions needed to properly add the quiet pavement, ADOT said.

The I-17 reconstruction project continues to move toward full completion, along with other projects around Arizona, despite state fiscal challenges, ADOT said. Because dedicated funds for construction and funds for ADOT operations are separate, drivers will see new construction at the same time that reductions are required in highway maintenance and the agency's customer-service areas.

The project is part of the Maricopa Association of Governments' Regional Transportation Plan approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004.

A separate $11.2 million project to add a third lane in each direction along I-17 between Carefree Highway and Anthem Way is scheduled for completion by spring 2010. That project is among dozens of state highway projects being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The I-17 Reconstruction Project also includes improved ramp connections between Loop 101 and I-17. The Deer Valley Road interchange along I-17 has been reconstructed. Crews also have added merge lanes between interchanges, sections of sound walls, new signs and new freeway lighting.