Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said the bridge would officially open to traffic on Monday December 18, but the public’s open day is scheduled for two days before that on Saturday, December 16, from 10am.

See a gallery of the bridge’s construction

Residents can cross the new bridge accompanied by the fanfare of the Nambucca District Band who played at the opening of the Macksville bridge in 1931.

Once over, the Macksville Rotary Club will take care of the Valley’s collective stomach with one of their famous sausage sizzles.

Anyone driving to the event can enter via the Bald Hill Rd interchange on the southern bank, and will be directed by traffic marshals to parking and the starting line.

There will be parking available on the new highway with pram and wheelchair access.

Please be advised that dogs and other pets will have to remain at home on the day.

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There is a common feeling of relief emanating from Nambucca as its residents realise they’ve seen the last of the infamous Macksville bottleneck.

With the Telegraph Point blackspot now upgraded, this opening will likely herald the end to a long string of road fatalities along the Mid North Coast.

All eyes will now be on the Valley to see how it fares without the constant stream of holiday traffic.