A two year project to upgrade the Kessock Bridge is now fully completed after more than 3,000 tonnes of surfacing was ripped up and replaced.
The £13.2m revamp of the southbound carriageway has been running since February, with restrictions during peak times lifted five weeks ago.
Work has continued on the footways and cycleways under overnight lane closures to minimise traffic disruption.
The northbound carriageway was similarly upgraded between February and June 2013.
The fully upgraded bridge will now see a permanent 50mph speed limit.
Leader of Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry said: “This is a welcome end to the major upgrade of the Kessock Bridge which will keep it fit for purpose for many years to come.
“Not only has a major part of the Highland’s road infrastructure been improved, this project has brought about other benefits to Highland transport. Conon Bridge Rail station has been re-opened; more people are cycling to work and a car sharing scheme was introduced on the Black Isle.”
The project has involved the removal and replacement of 3,126 tonnes of surfacing, installation of 450 parapet base plates each weighing quarter if a stone tonne and welded to the steel bridge deck.
The 64 cable stays on the suspension bridge were also re-tensioned during the job.
The project involved over 60 staff working on the bridge at any one time with in excess of 500 staff involved in the project at some point.
This included local labour and specialist experts from oversea.
Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP said: “The project has been completed ahead of schedule, as is the case with many such projects, and that is testament to the great efforts of the teams involved.
“Their work will bring long term gains to Inverness, such as reduced journey times, and I would like to thank the public for being patient and helping us to keep journey times down during the refurbishment.”
BEAR Scotland’s operating company representative, Eddie Ross, added: “We are very grateful to everyone for their assistance, patience and understanding during these works and I would like to thank all parties affected.”
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, added: “Everyone involved in this project should take satisfaction from the delivery of an excellent job.”