Road widening has begun on a stretch of land in Southampton.The work is being done to improve conditions on Middle Road between Waterlot Inn and Riviera Road, according to Public Works Minister Michael Weeks.It’s anticipated that the $400,000 project will be completed in December.The area involved “has been a real source of concern for the Ministry of Public Works for a significant number of years”, Mr Weeks said.“The road is so narrow in some points that larger vehicles such as buses cannot pass one another safely at the same time. In addition, there has also been concern about the stability of the wall at 176 Middle Road, Southampton also known as Angel Steps.“Following a successful negotiation with the trustees of the Angel Steps property, the Ministry of Public Works is delighted to announce that the work has now started to remove one of Bermuda’s most hazardous bottlenecks in the road network — which will ultimately increase the safety for the public.”The works will allow the road to be widened to just over 21ft, Mr Weeks added.A sidewalk will also be constructed to ensure greater pedestrian safety.Traffic lights will be installed until the project is completed.Said Mr Weeks: “These lights will initially be used during off-peak hours. However, as the work progresses it might be necessary to keep the lights on for 24-hour periods for safety reasons.”The Ministry will next widen a “dangerous” area along Middle Road in Warwick between Whites Supermarket and Spicelands Riding School.Other areas being considered for construction are junction improvements at the foot of Flatts Hill, Blackwatch Pass, the Middle Road/Montpelier Road Devonshire junction and the Lighthouse Hill/Middle Road Southampton junction.