When Westwood Town Administrator Mike Jaillet heard that a fourth lane had opened last week on the stretch of Route 128 that connects the town to Randolph, his first words were, “Oh, that is just wonderful, it’s about time.”

His sentiments are shared by thousands of other drivers who have battled snarled traffic and round-the-clock construction through the area nearly every day for four years. But the benefits aren’t just for commuters; local and regional officials are hoping that an upgraded Route 128 will also be a path toward economic development.