A high-tech traffic light system in Hamilton will be up and running by the summer, city engineers have promised.

Work on the new lights and sidewalk improvements at the junction of Par-la-Ville Road, Point Pleasant Road and Front Street is now 80 per cent complete.

The new traffic lights use the split cycle offset optimisation technique system, which can monitor and adjust to traffic flow at peak times.

A corporation spokeswoman said traffic flow in the area will be smoother when the new lights are installed.

Charles Waters, the assistant engineer for the city, added: “These upgrades are essential to our infrastructure to ensure a high degree of safety and efficiency in Hamilton.

“The city thanks those merchants and businesses in the affected area for their patience.

“We alter the sidewalks in the city for a number of reasons, with our priority being the safety of pedestrians using the crossings.”

Mr Waters said the corporation had worked to ensure that crossings were in with US safety standards.

He added: “This means making the city’s sidewalks safe for all users, including those with disabilities.

“This is why we have been installing safer drop curbs and using tactile ‘bumpy’ pavers which help those with visual impairments know when they are approaching a crosswalk.

“We have also been working to align curb lines in the driving lane and shrink crossings so that pedestrians spend less time in the street when crossing.

“Our sidewalk alterations also aid pedestrians in being able to see oncoming traffic by extending the sidewalk crossing areas past the parking bays.

“Overall, increasing sidewalk size aids in pedestrian access and city walkability.”

Teams will install a new sewer manhole and force main in the area over the next month, which will cause minor traffic disruptions.

Motorists and pedestrians were asked to use caution in the areas as the work continued.

Temporary traffic signal equipment, signage and diversions will remain in place as needed.