SWANZEY, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Airport Road, the Keene-owned access route that doubles as a favored spot for walkers and bird-watchers, will remain open during business hours following a two-month review of safety concerns.

The city began monitoring the 1.5-mile road in late summer after staff at the Dillant-Hopkins Airport and the wastewater treatment plant raised concerns about pedestrians and stopped vehicles creating hazards for employees and waste haulers. That prompted Keene officials to temporarily tighten access while evaluating how the space was being used.

In August, the city restored daytime access and added signage urging visitors to stay to the side of the road while walking or biking. Recreational users had pushed back strongly against the summer restrictions, arguing the area is an important and low-traffic outdoor resource.

Keene Public Works director Don Lussier said that since the road reopened, reports of unsafe behavior have not resurfaced in any significant way and that he has advised the City Council that no immediate changes are needed, though the situation may be reassessed if problems arise again.

Airport Road is classified as a private driveway maintained through sewer user fees, giving the Public Works Department discretion over its access status. Usage naturally tapers off heading into winter as migration season ends and fewer people visit the area.

A fuller picture of long-term patterns is expected to emerge in the spring, when recreational traffic typically increases.