Upgrades to Old Broome Road have been completed early with both lanes of traffic reopening to the public on July 12.

The upgrades include a new two-way shared bicycle and footpath lane between Sandpiper Avenue and Short Street on the western side of the major thoroughfare which links Broome Highway to Broome’s Chinatown.

The eastern lane on the eastern side of the Sandpiper Avenue roundabout was duplicated and aged infrastructure on the stretch of road was repaired or replaced as part of the $3.9 million upgrades.

The Shire of Broome made the announcement on their Facebook page on July 12 that a majority of the works had been completed, and the road was now open ahead of schedule.

“We’re pleased to be able to welcome the community back to Old Broome Road sooner than expected and thank everyone for their patience throughout the upgrade,” they said.

The onset of the upgrade works on May 12 left Broome drivers sitting in long queues on Cable Beach Road East and Gubinge Road.

Locals vented their frustration on social media, with some claiming what was once a five-minute drive to work in the morning had extended to more than 40 minutes with vehicles having to traverse Gubinge Road and Cable Beach Road East to get into town from the suburbs of Bilingurr and Djugun.

While the main works are complete the shire warned there may be some temporary traffic management measures as minor finishing works are completed and asked residents to take care and follow all signage when travelling through the area.