Main Street Traffic to Shift Again as Central Square Work Continues Nov. 9-13

Parking will be limited in parts of the downtown core during the work.

Drivers, pedestrians and downtown merchants should expect another round of construction impacts this week as Keene’s Downtown Infrastructure Project advances through utility and roadway work around Central Square.

The most visible disruption will be at the Roxbury Street and Central Square intersection, which will stay closed from Monday, Nov. 9, through Friday, Nov. 13. Traffic coming off Roxbury Street toward Central Square will be routed around the closure by way of Franklin and Beaver streets.

Main Street will also see changing traffic patterns between Water Street and Central Square, where both northbound and southbound lanes may be shifted or temporarily narrowed over the course of the week.

According to an update released Nov. 6 by Assistant City Engineer Bill Siemer, Casella Construction is continuing underground utility installation north of Roxbury Street toward Washington Street, including new sewer pipe and structures. Similar work is set to get underway on Davis Street as well.

Crews are also finishing water service tie-ins for buildings around Central Square. City officials said the new water mains have already been disinfected, flushed and tested, and the results showed no bacteria.

At the same time, Liberty Utilities is expected to be replacing gas service connections along Main Street between Water and Davis streets from Monday through Thursday, Nov. 12.

Parking will be limited in parts of the downtown core during the work. Several spaces along the north, east and west sides of Central Square will be blocked off starting at 7 a.m. each day. Spaces marked with orange cones or barriers must be left open until the workday ends.

Public lots within walking distance of the square will remain accessible, and the city directs motorists to its Parking Services webpage for more information on downtown parking.

Even with the daytime restrictions, officials say traffic and parking should return to normal by the end of each workday. Still, drivers and people on foot are being asked to stay alert near the work zone, since conditions may change as crews move between locations.

Residents and business owners who want an update on the project can attend the next Coffee & Hardhats session on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m. at the Transportation Center, 12 Gilbo Ave. The monthly meeting, run by Keene Public Works, is meant to give the public a chance to hear about current progress, ask questions and discuss upcoming phases of the project.

Those who cannot attend can sign up for email updates through the city’s website. The city also noted that although offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day, Casella Construction plans to continue working on its usual schedule.