Motorists will soon be able to drive on newly built concrete connectors that arc 80 feet into the air to link Interstate 45 to Texas 242, providing long-awaited relief for what has been the busiest, most congested intersection in Montgomery County.

This $40 million flyover, which was first conceived a decade ago and required the periodic shutdowns of I-45 to build, is set for a May 11 grand opening, said project manager Jennie Taraborelli, president of Houston-based PTP Transportation.