Plans for an upgrade to the main thoroughfare through the Goulds area of St. John's were rolled out Wednesday night at a public meeting, along with a warning about what will come with the construction.

A $3.2-million project will include an upgrade of sewer lines and add sidewalks to the area, which retains some aspects of a rural past but has become increasingly suburban.

People who attended the public meeting were shown sketches, and told that the traffic delays and diversions are to be expected.

Coun. Wally Collins, who represents the ward on St. John's city council, said the sidewalks will help make things safer for pedestrians.

"We're after having a few accidents in there now," he said.

"The problem is a lot of businesses around, a lot of them are just paved into the street, so when the kids come out of school, they can't distinguish between the streets and the parking lot."

Collins said many commuters who drive through the Goulds will need to take alternate routes, including Pitts Memorial Drive and Robert E. Howlett Memorial Drive.

"A lot of people coming from the shore probably won't go through the Goulds — they'll know it’s a traffic jam there," said Collins.

"You can't fix stuff until you dig it up, so we got to dig it up."