SPARKS -- Construction crews began work on the long-anticipated southeast connector Thursday.

The road will link Sparks Boulevard and Veterans Parkway in south Reno.

The first phase of the project will last six months and involve widening Sparks Boulevard and Greg Streets to allow for more traffic. The Regional Transportation Commission said construction on a bridge over the Truckee River will begin next month.

The project will require the Rosewood Lakes Golf Course to be moved.

The entire project is expected to be completed in 2016. RTC said the new road will likely be called: "Veterans Parkway" or "Veterans Parkway extension."