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HANNIBAL, MO. -- The City of Hannibal is a step closer to moving forward with a new sidewalk project for its downtown.

Monday night, the city unveiled new and improved plans for the downtown sidewalks.

Work on the project came to a halt last November following complaints from Main Street merchants.

Property owners saw potential liability issues surrounding the two-tiered sidewalks.

The city stopped the project, went back to the engineers and came back with a plan that everyone would be more comfortable with.

"It's the first thing people see when they come to Hannibal," Hannibal council member Michael Dobson said. "We want to make a good impression, and I think we've got a plan now that will."

Dobson said the Missouri Department of Transportation is expected to sign off on the deal within the next week.

The contractors will then start on the project as soon as possible, weather permitting.