Sidewalk improvements along a major Hamilton shopping street will boost Bermuda’s image, a City of Hamilton employee said yesterday.

Patrick Cooper, the City of Hamilton engineer, said that the project was “another improvement that will help to beautify a high-traffic area in the city and enhance the pedestrian experience”.

He added: “I believe the finished product will certainly improve the aesthetics in that area.”

Work at the Reid Street entrances to Washington Mall started this year.

Mr Cooper said the city had worked with Washington Properties, managers of the mall, to minimise disruption to the public as construction went on.

Paul Slaughter, Washington Properties’ general manager, said that the company was happy to work with the City authority.

He added: “We’ve recently completed work on our new entrance and the sidewalk improvements will add to the public enjoyment of this area.

“The new seating, planters, upgraded lighting and decorative paving will look very attractive and create a relaxing social area.”

A spokeswoman for the City of Hamilton said that it had paid for the brick and seating for the project.

The cost of design work and installation was covered by Washington Properties.

The spokeswoman said the construction work was expected to be completed within the next four weeks.

She added: “The area may experience some temporary traffic congestion with the unloading of materials and, while lane closures are not expected, should one be necessary at some point during the project the appropriate notices and signage will be posted by the city.

“The city apologises for any inconvenience caused throughout the duration of this project and thanks the public for its patience.”