According to a press conference yesterday, the MGM Springfield casino resort of Massachusetts could open earlier than expected. The casino project has reached the halfway point in construction, despite many delays and changes to the original plan.

The $950 million casino project is one of two projects taking place in the state to see the creation of the first commercial casinos, with the second project being Wynn Boston Harbor. The MGM Springfield will be operated by MGM Resorts International, with the groundbreaking of the project beginning over a year and a half ago. In the beginning, the casino was slated to open by the fall of 2018, but delays and changes to the plans ensured that this opening date would not be met.

The project is dependent on the renovation of Interstate 91 as traffic problems are a major concern. Yesterday, it was announced that the highway changes were ahead of schedule and it is likely that the area will be ready for use by May of next year. If this happens, the casino would be able to open earlier than planned.

During the press conference, a spokesperson for MGM Springfield stated that work in the project has progressed within the past few months and the company is comfortable in stating that the casino should be ready for operation by September of next year. When the casino opens, it is expected to create a minimum of 3,000 jobs with the majority being full time positions as well as be a major tax contributor in the area.