The £1m project was more than two decades in the making.
Five years ago, to mark the road’s 40th anniversary, we trawled our archives to put together a timeline of its development – going as far back as the 1950s.
Here, we present a gallery of photographs from its opening day (plus a handful of bonus, related pictures).
5. John Adams Way opening - May 2, 1978
A police car approached the Main Ridge junction. Today, the spot where this photograph was taken is covered in plants. Photo: Boston Standard
6. John Adams Way opening - May 2, 1978
When John Adams Way opened, the Main Ridge junction had a traffic island in the carriageway that leads to Bargate. Photo: Boston Standard
7. John Adams Way opening - May 2, 1978
By June 1978, it was being reported that John Adams Way had virtually cleared the town centre of the heavy traffic that once caused so much of the congestion. And, according to police, a large number of local motorists were also using the new road to avoid Strait Bargate and the Market Place when they were travelling from one side of the town to the other. “We are finding a significant improvement in traffic conditions in the town centre,” said superintendent Michael Follows. Photo: Boston Standard
8. John Adams Way opening - May 2, 1978
The positive feedback following in 1979. In July of that year, Chief Superintendent George Bulman said: "There is no doubt that the new road has certainly reduced accidents, and I’m delighted." Photo: Boston Standard