This new series of ramps -- to be known as interchange 19 -- will allow drivers traveling northbound on I-95 to exit directly onto Kendrick Street and head eastbound into Needham Crossing and Wells Ave. office parks and other destinations.

It will also allow drivers on Kendrick Street to enter directly onto I-95 southbound.

"This is a new gateway in the N-Squared Corridor," said Greg Reibman, president of the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber. "Employers and employees have been waiting a long time for this and it is going to greatly enhance our efforts to bring new businesses and jobs to this region.

"We commend MassDOT and everyone involved in this project for completing this project more than one month ahead of schedule and just prior to the busy fall," Reibman added.

Beginning Friday Aug. 19 at 8 p.m., drivers traveling eastbound (towards Newton) from Needham will have two through lanes across the Kendrick Street Bridge and will be able to access I-95 southbound (towards Dedham).

Drivers traveling westbound (towards Needham) from Newton will have one through lane across the Kendrick Street Bridge and will be able to access I-95 southbound from a signalized, double left turn lane on the bridge.

These changes, part of the 128 Add-a-Lane project, will eventually be connected by collector/distributor roads by the end of 2018 which will reduce congestion on the I-95 by facilitating entering and exiting moves off the highway.

The chamber is partnering with MassDOT on an event to celebrate this milestone later this month, Reibman said.