Residents and councillors have been trying to get the 13.5 mile-long stretch of road built between Eye and Spalding since 1985.

And today they were celebrating the news that the £80.3 million scheme to make thousands of motorists journeys safer is finally under way.

The scheme has been jointly developed by Peterborough City Council and Lincolnshire County Council.

It will run parallel to the existing A1073, linking the A16 near Spalding to the A47 near Peterborough. See a Google map of the route of the A1073 from Eye to Spalding

The new road will be built alongside the existing A1073, but will bypass villages in the area, including Eye.

The start of work to improve the road that has been deemed a blackspot in recent years was marked with a sod-cutting ceremony in the presence of Minister of State for Transport Rosie Winterton MP.

Hedges and trees are currently being cleared and construction work will start in April.

The A1073, which links Peterborough and Spalding, has seen 47 accidents in the last three years alone, killing and seriously injuring a number of people.

First spearheaded by former city council leader Neville Sanders, the campaign was taken on by his son David when he was elected to represent Eye and Thorney.

Today, Cllr David Sanders said: "I'm absolutely over the moon. It's been a long, hard campaign but it's worth it when you get the result. It has been a real team effort.

"I dread to think how many accidents there have been on that road over the years. It's probably one of the most notorious roads that I know of within the unitary authority. It needed addressing, and this is not before time.

"Road safety will be significantly improved and it's also great for people living in Eye Green who will get a bit of peace and quiet."

The Spalding to Eye Improvement Scheme also includes junction improvements, traffic calming and environmental mitigation works.

Leader of Peterborough City Council Cllr John Peach said: "I am delighted to see work start on a project which will not only benefit residents but will also help boost the local economy.

"The new road will improve safety and relieve congestion in the region, and the fact we are at this stage is testament to the hard work of everyone involved at the city council and Lincolnshire County Council."

The Department of Transport is putting £69.8 million towards the cost of the scheme which is expected to finish by the end of 2010.

Executive Councillor for Lincolnshire County Council highways, Cllr William Webb said: "We look on road safety as being of paramount importance.

"The safety record on the existing A1073 has made this scheme absolutely vital and we believe this was the catalyst for the Government funding.

"It is also of great importance to open up the eastern part of Lincolnshire, further connecting us with the country and strategically bringing the country closer to the motorway network and consumers in London.

"This will bring great benefit to the commerce and economy of the area. We are grateful for the help and co-operation of Peterborough City Council."

Transport minister Rosie Winterton cuts the first sod with John Peach and Martin Hill.