From 10am the barriers on the two-lane 3.5km stretch of new road were removed by Roads and Maritime Services.

The immediate consequence of the opening was a dramatic reduction on freight truck traffic through the town centre, but longer-term effects on Bega's business sector are still uncertain.

Adam Twyford from Bobbins Transport said the long-awaited bypass is good news for the trucking business. 

"It's good for us, especially the B-doubles which will no longer have to uncouple to turn on Carp St," he said.

"Ultimately it saves the trucks time and that saves the business money."

Spectators looked on from overpasses at High St and Ravenswood St, with one saying he had counted more than 100 north-bound vehicles pass by in the first 15 minutes.

However, day-one motorists were also faced with the prospect of Highway Patrol police cruisers already on the beat.

More in Friday's BDN

* Have a story to share about the Bega Bypass? Do you remember when lines were first drawn on paper, or have an opinion on how it will affect Bega's future? Comment below or email ben.smyth@fairfaxmedia.com.au