The $104 million project was aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety along the 2.8 kilometre section of the highway.

Earlier this month traffic was moved onto new traffic lanes on the Great Western Highway which were built as part of the project. This allowed for the temporary Lee Street diversion to be closed.

A Roads and Maritime Services spokeswoman said the diversion was a temporary solution to reduce congestion during work and required two trained rail employees to operate it for safety reasons.

“It was a successful, temporary congestion busting measure to help keep traffic flowing through the township while new lanes to double the capacity were being built on Great Western Highway,” she said.

“Electronic message signs are in place advising motorists of the closure and the permanent highway direction signs are in place, guiding motorists between Bathurst and Oberon.”