The preliminary works are expected to last for eight to ten weeks.

The second phase of the scheme, which will join the B1174 to the A1 trunk road via a grade-separated junction, is expected to take 18 months to construct.

Construction of the third and final phase of the relief road, which will link the A52 at Somerby Hill to the new roundabout off the B1174, will begin shortly after the start of phase two and is expected to take three years to build.

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “Over the next two months, people will start seeing a lot of movement next to the A1 as Galliford Try starts building the project’s site cabins.

“Galliford will also start sorting out logistics like health & safety plans, storage areas for materials, site staffing and other essential tasks so they can hit the ground running this summer.”