WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) -City crews are installing new traffic lights along Scott Avenue in downtown Wichita Falls, replacing signals estimated to be between 65 and 70 years old.

Along with the new lights, every intersection will receive crosswalks in an effort to improve pedestrian accessibility. The city hopes the upgrades will increase safety in the downtown area.

“What it really increases is walkability. That’s very important in an area that’s got shops and a lot of things that are not, you know, condensed like a mall or something. They’re spread out a little bit you may have to walk a block or two here and there to get to where you want to go, and that just makes getting across a busy street like Scott Street a little bit easier at the light and a little bit safer for everybody,” Wichita Falls Public Information Officer Chris Horgen said.

One major change includes the intersection of Scott Avenue and 10th Street, which will upgrade from stop signs to traffic lights. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the possibility of converting 10th Street into a two-way road.

“It’s just a safer environment. You know, controlling the traffic and making sure pedestrians are safe that’s the key to those lights, just keeping everybody safe. That’s the whole idea,” Horgen said.

The improvements are expected to be completed by the end of April, just in time for summer.