Light traffic will be allowed on the Tharwa Bridge from today for the first time in almost two years.
But it will be 2011 before the bridge is fully restored to allow heavy vehicles.
Community Alliance Party candidate for Brindabella Val Jeffery said while he was happy to see the bridge reopened, the Government had mismanaged the bridge issue to such a degree it warranted a public inquiry.
''After three years' waiting, it has taken only five months to get the work done and this could have, and should have, happened three years ago,'' he said.
''While the Government has delayed, two lives have been lost and there have been multiple serious injuries on the mongrel dangerous detour needlessly imposed on the community.''
Territory and Municipal Services Minister John Hargreaves was not available for comment yesterday.
However, Territory and Municipal Services confirmed it would be September 2011 before all work was finished on the bridge and it was able to carry the standard 44-tonne load limit for main roads, about equivalent to a fully laden semi-trailer.
The restoration of the 1895 bridge is expected to cost $15 million.
The bridge was closed in September 2006 because of safety concerns, forcing traffic to use a detour via Point Hut Crossing.
Vehicles weighing up to five tonnes will be allowed on the bridge from today. Heavier vehicles will have to continue using the detour for another three years.
Safety concerns were raised about the Tharwa Bridge in mid-2005, the Government then approving repairs costing $700,000.
The Government proposed in October 2006 to build a single-lane concrete bridge adjacent to the current bridge across the Murrumbidgee River.
That plan was dumped 16 months later, the Government announcing in January this year it would restore the existing bridge in line with the community's wishes.
Roads ACT director Tony Gill said yesterday that eight timber trusses had yet to be replaced on the bridge, to strengthen it and restore its heritage aesthetic.
Hardwood timber was ordered from the NSW North Coast in July.
It was due to be delivered to Wagga Wagga in November. It would have to be stored and dried for 12 months.