A stretch of interstate between Lincoln and Omaha will get wider Friday, when new eastbound lanes open, according to the Nebraska Department of Roads.

The new eastbound lanes between Mahoney State Park and Ruff Road open Friday; westbound lanes will not be completely open until concrete protection barriers are all removed next week.

Work will continue through the Platte River area on bridge rail, permanent striping, guardrail, seeding, erosion control and bridge removal.

The contractor, Hawkins Construction Co. of Omaha, will be ahead of schedule by 274 calendar days. To avoid head-to-head traffic during winter near the Platte River, work was expedited.