After more than 13 weeks without the main link between the small settlement and Lawrence and Balclutha, a small crowd of excited locals yesterday saw the structure formally reopened.
There was no ribbon-cutting or speeches, just contractors and engineers finalising the last details before the bridge was reopened to all traffic.
The bridge was closed in early April for what was initially thought to be a three-week repair job.
However, the discovery of rusting steel beams meant more extensive repairs were needed, putting it out of commission for 13 weeks.
Locals used a specially made footbridge and later created their own ford downstream to get across.
Some, who work in Balclutha but live on the other side of the bridge, were forced to park one vehicle on the Balclutha side of the bridge and leave another on the other side.
But all that inconvenience appeared to be forgotten yesterday as a small group gathered, anxiously waiting for the 79-year-old landmark to be reopened.
Those attending walked across the new structure then posed for photographs.
Engineers officially declared the bridge open for traffic about 4.30pm.
A temporary 10kmh speed limit applies to all vehicles.