Downtown workers had better get used to walking around — rather than through — McPherson Square. A project to spruce up the park began three months ago and might only be halfway done.

Fences went up in mid-June, closing much of the park. Improvements will include new sidewalks, benches, flower gardens, grass and an irrigation system. In addition, the fence around the statue of Civil War Gen. James B. McPherson will be repainted. National Park Service spokesman Bill Line said the work isn’t expected to be completed until the end of the year.