Light traffic was diverted on to Blanket Bay Rd, but all other traffic stopped while the recovery took place.
It was expected the highway would be closed for about half an hour, then partially opened.
The trailer smashed through a safety barrier and into the harbour this morning.
Nobody was hurt in the accident, which happened at 6.30am.
A logging truck crash on the same stretch of road in March last year provoked debate after residents said the road was unsafe.