EDGARD — Sidewalks lining the West Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish are getting a makeover.

St. John Public Works Director Brian Nunes said a $153,000 contract awarded to The Luster Group of Reserve would fund the removal and replacement of existing concrete sidewalks.

“Since there is no shoulder on River Road on the West Bank, there is no safe way for pedestrian and bicycle traffic to travel within the communities,” he said. “This project will replace the old, existing sidewalks, which may have become hazardous for travel over time, with brand new sidewalks fit for non-motorized commuting.”

According to Nunes, the project will account for residents with disabilities by installing handicap warnings at locations where the new sidewalk intersects with roadways.

Nunes said the project would not add any new sidewalks but focus on replacing those that need to be replaced.

“We’re ready to go,” he said. “The only issue right now is the River level. We can’t do anything within 1,500 feet of the River until the water goes down.”

The project focuses on sidewalks in Lucy and Edgard and includes approximately two miles of non-consecutive work in locations with heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

St. John Communications Director Baileigh Rebowe Helm said the project is funded through a 2014 Bond Issue and came in under budget, allowing for more repairs to take place.

There are no anticipated road closures, and parish officials foresee the project creating minimal inconvenience to area residents. Residents can expect normal construction noise during work hours.

Floyd Luster Jr., manager of The Luster Group, which has offices in Reserve and Baton Rouge, said the contract time is four months.

“It’s going to be a great benefit to the community,” he said, adding the project will address Americans with Disabilities Act standards, allowing those with wheelchairs to utilize the sidewalks.