While a portion of Water Avenue looks like a bombed-out war zone, the work is all for the better.

Scrapers, backhoes and workmen have ripped up the sidewalk on the south side of Water Avenue from Broad Street to Franklin Avenue for the past couple of weeks.

Mayor George Evans said the work would produce wider, brick sidewalks exactly like what’s on the north side of Water.

“It’s all part of the new look,” he said.

Businesses along Water Avenue were told of the work months ago when the streetscape was in the planning phases.

One portion of the project was completed before Market Day earlier this month with the relocation of utilities, Evans said.

The city shut down the work during Market Day to allow the decades-long event occur without interruption, according to Charlotte Griffeth, director of the city’s Planning and Development Department.

The original plan is for Water Avenue to become a pedestrian-friendly tourist attraction with the look of New Orleans, according to the city’s comprehensive plan, which also describes Water Avenue as “a spine for riverfront entertain and events.”

The contractor has until March to complete the work, but Evans says he believes the work will be completed before then.

“It’s going to make a difference when it’s completed,” he said.