Some major changes are coming to the downtown Utica area.

A $4.4 million project will connect several destinations in the city. A shared-use path is being made with the goal of connecting places, but also calming traffic.

The state DOT commissioner said the path will improve connectivity between downtown Utica, the Empire State trail, the Harbor Point Development area, and other locations. The path will be a half-mile-long and 10 feet wide, along Whitesboro Street and North Genesee Street between Seneca Street and Wurz Avenue. Some lane changes will be made to North Genesee and Whtiesboro streets.

This project is supposed to make traveling safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Oneida County Tourism President Kelly Blazosky is excited about the project and what it could mean for the city.

"It'll certainly help businesses increase foot traffic to their door as well, because people maybe will want to park their car and just take a walk and use the trail system," Blazosky said.

The project also includes new pedestrian ramps, benches, and decorative lighting. It should be complete later this year.