Keene public works director addresses road closure, city projects during WKBK radio interview

The road, which crosses into the town of Swanzey and is frequented by birdwatchers and walkers, will now be closed to non-official traffic from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Lussier said the closure was necessary after repeated safety concerns involving pedestrians, off-leash dogs, and recreational users sharing the narrow industrial road with heavy vehicles like septic haulers, sludge trucks, and RVs.

“We’ve seen people walking in the middle of the road, earbuds in, totally unaware,” Lussier said. “We love that people enjoy the natural setting, but not at the risk of someone getting seriously hurt.”

He stressed that recreational access remains available on evenings and weekends and that the city hopes to rely on voluntary compliance before escalating enforcement. However, he acknowledged the city may eventually involve Swanzey police in cases of repeated trespassing.

Lussier also shared updates on two other major initiatives: the downtown revitalization project, with bidding expected to begin by early October, and a frequently failing water main on Water Street that will be addressed in the upcoming capital improvement plan.

Callers weigh in — support, criticism, and calls for compromise

Listeners to Tuesday’s broadcast voiced a range of reactions to the Airport Road closure. One caller supported the city’s decision, describing firsthand the risks posed when birders stop suddenly to watch wildlife—often while sitting in parked or moving vehicles.

Another caller backed the closure but offered criticism over how it was communicated to the public. suggesting the new hours of access could have been handled with more transparency and public notice.

A third caller, who said they regularly walk the road (though not for birdwatching), proposed a series of compromise solutions rather than a full closure during work hours. Suggestions included installing a prominent kiosk at the road entrance—similar to those at state parks—outlining usage rules, updating both the Keene and Swanzey websites, and placing notices in local newspapers.

City councilors chime in — debate expected later this month

The topic also came up the day before on Monday’s episode of Good Morning with Dan Mitchell, when Keene Mayor Jay Kahn was a guest. The mayor said the decision was made with safety as the top priority, especially after incidents where pedestrians ignored work zone warnings during recent utility inspections along the road.

But two city councilors offered differing perspectives during that broadcast. Councilor Randy Filiault, who called into the show, said the move was a necessary step to reduce municipal liability after people disregarded protocols around city trucks. However, Councilor Mitch Greenwald told listeners the council wasn’t notified of the closure ahead of time and said he plans to raise the issue during the next meeting of the Municipal Services, Facilities, and Infrastructure (MSFI) Committee, scheduled for Aug. 27.

The City Council has the authority to revisit or even reverse administrative decisions. Lussier said he’s open to discussion if requested but remains confident that the closure is in the public’s best interest.

“We’re trying to prevent a serious accident,” he said. “It’s not about keeping people out—it’s about keeping everyone safe.”