The prep work has begun for the long-awaited improvements to Highway 1A.

Town officials have confirmed that crews have started the groundwork for the improvement project that is expected to start in the next few days.

This early prep involves removing trees from the north side of Highway 1A between Ross Avenue and Sixth Avenue to allow the expansion of the highway from two to four lanes, as well as adding new side street intersections and stormwater management facilities.

the heavy construction is scheduled to begin later this spring, with the completion of the corridor widening work anticipated for the Fall of 2021.

Town officials say that removing the trees is a temporary measure to give the crews ample room to work, and they will be replaced in 2022 as part of the final landscaping.