CANTON — A project to enhance downtown Canton’s aesthetic appeal and pedestrian friendliness continues to trek along.

While no one is complaining, the project is noticeable to motorists going through downtown and causes traffic to slow.

Updated sidewalks, curbing and gutters are being installed along the stretch of road that takes motorists into downtown Canton.

The city is also upgrading water lines along North Street in front of the Cherokee County Historic Courthouse, which prompted the city to close the right lane on North Street.

The Waleska Street pedestrian improvement project will install sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks along West Main Street, beginning at Academy Street and continuing west onto Waleska Street and ending at RiverStone Parkway.

Also included in the improvement project will be North Street, beginning at Church Street and continuing to the Waleska Street intersection.

The improvements include five-foot-wide sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, crosswalks and necessary signage.

The Hickory Flat Highway project will make similar improvements between Marietta Road and the southbound entrance ramp to Interstate 575.

City Engineer Joby West said both projects are on schedule and the city hopes to finish them by late summer or early fall.

The project is a part of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Living Centers Initiative. It is funded 80 percent by the state and 20 percent by the city.

West said the city has not heard any complaints from residents or businesses about the projects.

“We have been so up front with everyone and notifying them of what’s going to happen in an effort to head off those kind of inquiries,” he said.

The city has also been working with the organizers of the Cherokee Arts Center’s Ninth Annual Canton Festival of the Arts so the construction has minimal impact on the event this weekend.

West said he’s coordinating efforts with Main Street Director Ginger Garrard in making sure the area is neat for the weekend.

He said construction crews have worked hard to make sure the downtown core is “as neat as possible for this weekend.”

Pat Gold, organizer of the festival, said she’s confident festivalgoers and those participating won’t have a hard time navigating the city.

“We’re hoping that we have good enough signage to direct everyone,” she said.