MAJOR works to transform a busy Hereford road into a tree-lined "boulevard" are expected to be completed before the city’s new development opens as planned.

The works to Newmarket Street began in January and were estimated to take around three months to complete.

Improvement works were pitched as aiming to improve pedestrian and cycle links between the city’s “historic core” and new development.

Works are now set to continue in Widemarsh Gate with a single lane in either direction and as works progress, the crossing points will be moved to accommodate paving works.

On Newmarket Street, works to north and south footpaths will continue, with two lanes remaining open for westbound traffic. Eastbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane.

Resurfacing works have also been started on Edgar Street and will continue into April but these will take place overnight.

April 17 is D-Day for the much anticipated opening of the development, with Waitrose, Debenhams, TK Maxx, Next, L’Occitane, Fatface, Clarks and Costa all on track to open their doors that day.

More shops and restaurants, as well as the new six-screen Odeon cinema, are expected to open in the weeks thereafter.