FINAL preparations which will pave the way for a major road widening scheme in Boston got underway on Monday.

Lincolnshire County Council says the project, which will see sections of the A16 and A52 expanded, will improve traffic flow.

And throughout the next two weeks staff will be on site doing final checks for the positioning of utilities and underground cables ahead of the work starting after Easter.

Project manager Graeme Mellor told the Target: "As part of the Boston Transport Strategy we are committed to building on previous work in Boston to help improve traffic flow around the town and look forward to this important road-widening scheme.

"Minimal disruption is anticipated as the preparation work will not require any closures or traffic lights but motorists should just be aware and take care near the small areas where trial holes will be dug.

"These are to build a clearer picture of utilities currently under the ground to help with planning the works and minimise associated risk when the works begin in earnest.

"Road users should expect to see trial holes taking place between the London Road roundabout and West Street level crossing through the next two weeks."

The project will see the A16 expanded to two lanes northbound from the London Road roundabout to the Liquorpond Street roundabout.

It will also feature improvements to the Liquorpond Street roundabout and widening the A52 to two lanes westbound from the Liquorpond Street roundabout to Asda including widening across the West Street level crossing.

Public information events and leaflet drops will be carried out in advance of the road widening works beginning to make residents and businesses aware of the sequence of the works.