The Botley Road reopening marks the end of a major disruption phase, but businesses in the area warn that further inconvenience lies ahead.
Andy Jones, who oversees operations at the River Hotel and Westgate Hotel, expressed satisfaction that vehicles can once again travel directly between Botley and Oxford city centre.
However, he cautioned that the impact of ongoing infrastructure work would persist for some time.
The thoroughfare welcomed traffic back on Saturday, September 20, following a closure lasting three and a half years.
The project experienced numerous setbacks, with final costs reaching £237 million.
The Westgate Hotel and Cafe has operated adjacent to the construction zone throughout this period, resulting in considerable disturbance for guests.
Will Bradshaw, who works in guest services at the establishment, noted that the situation proved challenging, particularly due to noise during night-time hours when foundation piling was underway.
Visitors found the conditions difficult, especially during warmer periods when opening windows would normally be preferable but became impractical due to the level of noise.
Night-time construction activity on Botley Road is scheduled to continue, with Thames Water overseeing a highway improvement scheme.
Separately, proposals to enlarge Oxford Station remain under consideration, though funding arrangements have yet to be finalised.
Jones expressed optimism that future infrastructure schemes would be administered more effectively than the initial phase of the Botley Road project, which he condemned as unsatisfactory.
He acknowledged that the most recent twelve months had seen improved management but characterised the first eighteen months of work as extremely poor.
The hotel proprietor directed criticism at both Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council, claiming they deflected responsibility by attributing it to Thames Water and Network Rail.