A section of the Dingle to Tralee road, which has been improved at a cost of almost €9m, has been opened by Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar.
The 4.2km upgraded secondary road runs between Annascaul and Gortbreagoge and includes cycle paths.
The road works were halted for 11 days in November due to a protest by subcontractors over pay.
The improvement scheme is part of an overall proposed €65m project to upgrade the busy tourist route between Dingle and Camp.
Following an oral hearing last year, An Bord Pleanála directed Kerry County Council to re-design the remaining 24km route after concerns were raised over the planned width and the inclusion of cycle paths along the road.
The council submitted re-designed plans for the route last month. A decision is awaited.
