For the first time in 30 years, drivers can now go both ways on Cesar Chavez through downtown Austin. Two-way traffic returned to the street Monday morning.

The first ones to drive down the new westbound lanes on Cesar Chavez honked and waved to KVUE cameras with big smiles on their faces.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a new era on this busy roadway. Instead of having to go to 2nd street at Brazos, you can now drive eastbound and westbound on Cesar Chavez from Interstate 35 to MoPac.

The city began looking at ways to make this a two lane road in 2004. Construction began in November 2007. While the complicated project went over time and more than a million dollars over budget, the mayor says it was worth it.

"With the help of old quarter cents sales tax money bond money and a grant from U.S Congressman Lamar Smith -- about $2 a half million I believe -- we're able to piece together the $8.4 million to make this happen," said Will Wynn, Austin mayor.

While the conversion is expected save drivers time, city officials say they need to be patient and careful through this area. The red lights on the five-block stretch of Cesar Chavez have yet to be, so expect some traffic backups.

"This project is not done -- the timing of the red lights is not complete -- but I think ultimately in the end we'll be able to move around downtown much easier. I think it will improve opportunities for the businesses along Cesar Chavez," said Mike Martinez, Austin City Council member.

There will be more construction in the area -- the city is putting in a decorative walkway for pedestrians, planting trees and flowers and improving access to the Town Lake hike and bike trail.