More than 20,000 motorists and cyclists use Napier Street each day, with the $30 million road upgrade providing an additional car and bike lane in both directions between Weeroona Avenue and Hall Street.

There are also new bus stops, new traffic lights at Scott Street, and a new school crossing in Napoleon Crescent.

Read more

"The Napier Street works have been a massive job," Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said.

"This is the biggest road project to be completed in our area since the Ravenswood interchange on the Calder Highway.

"It's really transformed our city and it is also catering for the growth we're seeing in the northern part of our region."

During the project, businesses expressed their frustrations at the disruptions, with Loaded Plate cafe owner Sharon Chibnall decided to temporarily close her doors at the end of 2018.

In October 2018, Ms Chibnall told the Bendigo Advertiser the roadworks were having a negative affect on businesses along Napier Street.

She said she knew the upgrade had to happen but hadn't realised how long the projected would take.

But Regional Roads Victoria northern regional director Brian Westley said the project ran to schedule and disruptions were minimised wherever possible.

"This is a major infrastructure and with major infrastructure there is going to be disruption from time to time," he said.

"We've worked really closely with residents and business operators to make sure that we minimised disruptions.

"I would take the opportunity to thank everyone - not just the motorists - but also the traders and residents for their patience. But we did work really hard with everyone to minimise disruptions."

With work at Napier Street complete, Mr Westley said Regional Roads Victoria would assess other major roads in Bendigo.

"We're always monitoring our 19,000 kilometres of road," Mr Westley said. "Our work is never done.

"We're currently looking at some key corridors into Bendigo, including the McIvor Highway, the Bendigo-Redesdale Road and Marong Road.

"It's really important that our transport system supports a growing Bendigo."

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.