Central Square Traffic Pattern Changes Begin Wednesday as Utility Work Continues in Downtown Keene

The most noticeable change will be the shutdown of the outbound slip lane from Central Square to West Street beginning July 15.

The most noticeable change will be the shutdown of the outbound slip lane from Central Square to West Street beginning July 15. Motorists bound for West Street will be routed south on Main Street, then onto Gilbo Avenue and School Street before returning to West Street.

West Street traffic coming into the area will reopen at the same time, though vehicles will be limited to one lane. Drivers should also be prepared for lane shifts between Central Square and Main Street as crews modify traffic patterns during the day to accommodate construction needs.

City officials are encouraging people traveling through the area to plan for extra time, use other routes when practical and stay alert in the active work zone.

The utility project is part of a broader effort to replace aging cast iron gas mains in Central Square before Keene begins the next stage of its $26 million Downtown Infrastructure Project. Public Works Director Don Lussier told downtown business owners at a recent Coffee and Hard Hats meeting that finishing the underground work first should reduce disruption once the larger reconstruction effort gets underway.

Liberty Utilities is replacing 8-inch gas mains on both sides of Central Square, along with a portion of West Street. The work started this week and is expected to last a little more than three weeks, although the timeline may shift if crews encounter unexpected conditions below ground.

Work is generally scheduled for weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and parking spaces are being reopened at the end of each day when possible.

At the same time, Casella Construction is bringing in equipment and materials for the city’s downtown rebuild, with more visible construction expected in early August. The city says it will continue to issue updates on detours, schedules and impacts for businesses and residents as the multi-year project progresses.