City work crews are making changes this morning to a high-profile city block.

The 800 Robson Plaza on the south side of the Vancouver Art Gallery has received a new coat of asphalt. 

This has created a smooth walkway across the street from sidewalk to sidewalk, reducing the likelihood of people tripping or spraining their ankles.

The city plans to paint the newly paved area, which will add some more colour to the public plaza.

More than a year ago, council voted to turn the 800 block of Robson into a permanent pedestrian area with seating, lighting, and public art.

"Transforming Robson Square into a traffic-free, permanent public plaza will bring vibrancy to an underutilized space in the city year round," Mayor Gregor Robertson said at the time.

The pavement will by dry this evening, which is when people will be allowed to walk on it.