The Namoi River Crossing will now be the primary crossing for those using Fossickers Way, leaving the notoriously narrow Manilla Bridge to be used mostly by locals, not trucks.

It's exciting news for locals who have been fearing for the safety of themselves and others in recent years as the old route required constant upkeep.

"I've been seeing the old bridge deteriorating quite a bit and with all the heavy traffic we really needed something better - and we've got it, we've finally got it," local of 53 years Erik Dekkers said.

"I knew from personal contact with engineers two or three years ago that the bridge needed a lot of attention and we needed a new bridge."

The new piece of infrastructure is expected to carry more than 120,000 vehicles per year, which would save more than 6800 hours of travel time.

Manilla man Murray Martin cut the ribbon and was the first person to be taken across the bridge.

Tamworth Regional Council mayor Col Murray said looking at the "simplicity" of the bridge, it was almost surprising it had taken this long for it to be built.

"This is a real efficiency mechanism and it's great to see it's happening here in Manilla, it certainly makes this major road a much more productive road, a user friendly road and a safe road," he said.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said it will be good to be able to use the Manilla Bridge without having to worry about squeezing through by a matter of centimetres.

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"I don't know how many times I drove across that old bridge and you'd almost have to fold your side mirrors in because a truck would be coming and you'd be thinking 'crikey, this is going to be a little bit close'," he said.

"Luckily everybody travelled safely over it but this is so much more safer."

Mr Anderson said the project was an indication that he believes Manilla is a crucial part of the electorate.

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