Construction works for raised pedestrian crossings in Wangaratta's central business district have begun, with the first phase focused on Ford Street.

Rural City of Wangaratta director community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, said the Ford Street works had commenced at the Murphy Street end of the road, to minimise any disruptions to this weekend's Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.

"We are working under tight timeframes from the funding body to complete these works, and aim to have them finished before the Christmas period," Mr Goonan said.

He said the decision to start the works at the Murphy Street end "ensures that the festival can proceed with minimal impact, while still allowing us to meet our deadlines and enhance pedestrian safety before the holiday rush".

The works involve significant safety upgrades for pedestrians at four key locations in the CBD, made possible through the state government's Victorian Safe System Pedestrian Infrastructure Program.

Three new raised pedestrian crossings are being installed in the CBD by O'LEX Civil Construction, with an upgrade to the Ford Street zebra crossing north of the Murphy Street roundabout; a new wombat crossing at the Ovens Street/Ford Street roundabout, replacing the existing zebra crossing; and a new wombat crossing mid-block in Faithfull Street near Victoria Parade.

A new pedestrian-operated traffic signal is also set to be installed mid-block in Reid Street between Ovens and Murphy Streets.

During construction, there will be temporary road closures, footpath diversions, and some reduced or restricted parking.

Detours will be clearly signed, and while through-traffic will be diverted, local access (including for customers) will be maintained wherever possible.

The Ford Street works at the Murphy Street end are due to continue until 10 November, followed by Faithfull Street from 11 to 26 November, and the Ford Street/Ovens Street crossing between 27 November and 10 December.