Then at about 10.15am all traffic were turned to red before the intersection was opened to traffic.

Cr McBain said that in having David Buckley as project engineer council benefited from his local know-how.

“This started about 10 years ago when the Mobil site came up for sale. We’re now at the end of that project and I want to thank all the councils that helped to put that train in progress. Merimbula will benefit from a smoother traffic flow in the summer season,” Cr McBain said.

Project engineer David Buckley said that after starting work on the intersection on June 19, only one day was lost due to the weather.

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the principal contractor John Michelin and Sons. All the work was integrated beautifully. We are two weeks ahead of schedule and within budget,” Mr Buckley said.

He also thanked the business community and particularly the nearby shops who took the brunt of much of the upheaval.

“I thank the business community and thank them for their understanding. I hope they benefit from the new configuration,” Mr Buckley said.

In its entirety, the bypass runs from the roundabout on Merimbula Drive, into Park Street, taking in a re-aligned Palmer Lane and Monaro Street intersection before reaching the new traffic lights at Monaro and Market Streets. Four pedestrian crossings with red arrows signals incorporated in the traffic lights to allow time for pedestrians to safely cross the intersection.

Council asked drivers to proceed with caution around the new intersection, with those approaching from the south needing to be aware of the need to turn right into Market Street, as the intersection prioritises traffic movement along the bypass alignment.

The intersection cost in the region of $2.5 million and a further $5 million for work from the roundabout on Merimbula Drive through to the intersection. That figure does not include the cost of land acquisition around the roundabout and the Mobil site.