A new interchange at the North Perimeter Highway and Highway 59 will start opening this weekend.

The plan is to open the interchange in stages, beginning around 3 a.m. Saturday morning.

"Because it is such a big project, we will do it early in the morning, we will stage it in various stages, (and) there will be a lot of individuals on hand to ensure that people understand how to get through," said Infrastructure minister Ron Schuler this afternoon at a ceremonial, mock opening of the interchange.

Schuler says a ramp going south when heading west will not be completed by the time of opening.

"That ramp could not be completed because the temporary lanes to get you through the construction site are going to interfere with the building of that... off-ramp."

Work on the interchange began in July 2015. Approximately 600 staff have worked one million work-hours on the (so far) $250-million project. Work included the new interchange, realigning the Perimeter Highway, an upgraded intersection, a new crossing at Raleigh Street/Gateway Street and the Perimeter and redirecting Knowles Avenue traffic to the Headmaster Row expansion.

Schuler says there is work that will have to be completed next year, and a total cost will be known when it's all said and done.