The bridge was badly damaged in last year's April storms, which claimed the lives of more than 400 people and caused massive destruction to infrastructures.

After more than a year and a half, the roadway was reopened on Thursday.

The Department of KZN, along with the mayors from both eThekwini and KwaDukuza Municipalities - have officially reopened the road to motorists. 

READ: Tongaat River Bridge in Ballito to reopen on Thursday

Samantha Meyrick says businesses in the area were affected.

"It is a relief to have the M4 open again. It made accessing towns like Westbrook extremely difficult and also supporting businesses having to travel all around the N2. Restaurants and shops lost a of of business." 

While Rivina Pillay says although it took long to fix - she's happy to say goodbye to the N2.

"Using the toll was a a bit of a hassle with the traffic and the trucks and also like going to the beach was a hassle going around."

While the bridge is open - there is still more work to be done, the department says tarring of the surface will be done by January.