The businessman travels from Lighthouse Beach to his Kempsey Toyota dealership and says the journey has now lowered his stress levels.

"It is unbelievable," he said. "The road is a lot more relaxing to drive and there is far better vision.

"The surface of the road is just brilliant. It is certainly going to save lives. I think drivers will have more confidence now.

"It has certainly taken the stress out of the drive, for sure."

Mr Payne said he had witnessed a number of close calls during the construction phase of the new Pacific Highway.

These included a semi trailer swinging wide across double lines and some drivers tailgating.

"I was always very concerned with that whole strip (of the highway work)," he said.

"Driving around the Telegraph Point area was always a dangerous part of the drive but you could the frustration levels rising for some drivers."

Mr Payne said the newly opened bypass has 'probably saved me about 10 minutes' off the overall drive.