THE long wait is over and finally motorists can expect a smoother journey with Cunningham's Gap roadworks now complete.

The mammoth mountainside remodel was two years and $57 million in the making.

In 2010 widespread rain and localised flooding prompted repair work to begin but works were hampered by major floods last year.

Crisps Coaches and Buslines owner Russell Crisp, who runs frequent charters to Brisbane, said it was a long time coming.

"Obviously this will make it a lot easier for us now that the works are finished," Mr Crisp said.

"We had a few issues a few weeks ago with 20-minute delays for works on the last section but it is short-term pain for long-term gain.

"Hopefully this will mean a delay-free Christmas and make it a lot more definite about the time in which we can get to Brisbane.

"It is actually quite an enjoyable trip now."

Mr Crisp said he thought the improvements to Cunningham's Gap would also make the drive up and down the range safer.

"In the past it was nowhere near the standard it is now and there were a lot more accidents," he said.

"Having less corners should make it safer but in saying that it might encourage trucks to go faster.

"It is still the most dangerous piece of road between here and Brisbane with its slope, narrowness and all the trucks that use it.

"I am just glad they have finished and did a good job."

Warwick Chamber of Commerce and Industry president David Littleproud said it was a welcome development.

"It underpins the economic development and prosperity of Warwick, as well as a lot of communities right through the Southern Downs into northern New South Wales," he said.

A Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said now the temporary offices had been removed work would be done on the rest area at Clayton's Gully for east-bound drivers.

TIMELINE

• Summer 2005/06: Biggest landslides in decades close The Gap to traffic, leading to several years of engineering studies.
• May 2010: Loose 23 tonne boulder blasted from rockfall zone.
• December 2010: Major cracks in roadway appear after torrential rain.
• Early 2011: Work starts on project initially estimated at $40m.