BOSTON -- Big Dig officials said that crews worked New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to make significant progress in the so-called "smart highway components."

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NewsCenter 5's Rhondella Richardson said that work is under way to get the Interstate 90 extension open this month.

"We're about 91 percent done," Honeywell spokesman George Gram said.

That's a 10 percent improvement over last week's progress report. The I-90 extension is into the final test phase.

"Some of the testing we're doing are on signs and over height vehicle detectors," Gram said.

The temporary fire alarm system is ready to come down because the permanent one tested fine and is place, Richardson said.

You'll hardily notice the overhead carbon monoxide detectors. A gadget is wired to a utility room. The readings dictate if more ventilation should be pumped into the one-mile long tunnel.

The entire stretch of the smart highway system operates with underground wires. They're still being tested. If a vehicle slows down or breaks down, the wires under the pavement signal one of the 54 tunnel cameras to zoom in on the situation.

Lane change information and other helpful traffic reports can then be displayed on information signs.

Motorists are promised all the latest technology and safety equipment. In case of power outages, there is an emergency lighting system, and three back-up systems are still being tested.

Officials don't expect any problems down the road. That means by this time next week, we could have a definitive opening date.