The re-opening of the Waiho Bridge is just the first step in a big clean up job for the West Coast.

The bridge - which runs between Fox Glacier and Franz Josef - was destroyed after heavy rain hit the area last month, and reopens this morning.

The new bridge has reopened with a blessing from Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio at 11 o'clock.

A public walk across the bridge then took place, with some people carrying flags and placards.

And the first traffic is due to travel across in each direction has just travelled across in each direction at midday.

West Coast Tasman National List MP Maureen Pugh says attention now needs to turn to other priorities in the region.

She says farmers need the Milton Stopbank reinstated and improved to protect their properties.

"There is a massive cleanup that the residents and farmers now have to face, we are certainly looking forward to this stopbank going up and protecting their assets."

Watch the Waiho Bridge (SH6) at Franz Josef get repaired in real time here