BOSTON -- An underground tunnel that stretches from South Station to the new Zakim Bridge is nearing completion, marking another milestone in the Big Dig.

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NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reports that the tunnel is completely connected, but it will look a bit different from what motorists are used to. Porcelain tiles extend about three-quarters of the way up the tunnel wall, instead of extending to the ceiling.

"We actually changed the ceiling system from that white porcelain system to the dark gray system, and that saved $70 million overall in the project cost," project director Mike Lewis said.

Although the entire tunnel can be driven, different sections are at different stages of construction. At the Fulton Street off ramp, the construction staging area covers four lanes. Overall, 93 North may be only a year away.

"The schedule is holding on I-93 for a November opening of next year," Lewis said.

The tunnel crosses underneath the Orange Line and the North Station rail yard before comes up at Leverett Circle.

When motorists do drive up to he Zakim Bridge when the tunnel opens, they won't be able to see it until the old elevated artery comes down. That won't happen until the southbound artery opens.

The project is scheduled to be finished in December 2004.