A long-awaited multibillion-dollar roadway project in Orange County could soon get the green light to begin.

Officials gave the update Thursday about the Route 17/I-86 project at a news conference.

They say the state is now preparing to include money to begin construction expanding the state route into an interstate in its five-year plan.

They say an upcoming environmental study and federal review will finalize the project.

"The future I-86 signs along Route 17 ... they are rusting. That's how long we've been at this. The good news is that we are almost at the finish line here because of the work that we have all done," says state Sen. James Skoufis.

The I-86 project would provide significant roadway improvements and expand sections to alleviate traffic and congestion.

News 12 was told construction could begin in 2024.