KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Drivers traveling through downtown Keene will encounter new traffic patterns beginning Wednesday as Liberty Utilities advances gas line replacement work in Central Square.

Starting July 15, the outbound slip lane from Central Square to West Street will close while utility crews continue installing new natural gas infrastructure. Motorists heading to West Street will instead be directed south on Main Street, then onto Gilbo Avenue and School Street before reconnecting with West Street.

At the same time, inbound traffic on West Street will reopen but will be reduced to a single lane. Drivers should also expect shifting traffic patterns throughout the day, as lanes leading from Central Square onto Main Street will be adjusted as construction requires.

City officials are urging motorists to allow extra travel time, consider alternate routes when possible and use caution while traveling through the active work zone.

The traffic changes are part of Liberty Utilities’ ongoing project to replace aging cast iron gas mains in Central Square before the city’s $26 million Downtown Infrastructure Project moves into its next phase.

During a recent “Coffee and Hard Hats” meeting with downtown business owners, Public Works Director Don Lussier said completing the underground utility work now will help avoid disruptions once the city’s larger reconstruction effort begins.

Liberty Utilities is replacing 8-inch gas mains on both the east and west sides of Central Square, along with a section of West Street. The work began this week and is expected to continue for a little more than three weeks, although officials have said the schedule could change depending on underground conditions.

Construction crews are generally working weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. while reopening parking spaces at the end of each day whenever possible.

Meanwhile, Casella Construction is mobilizing equipment and materials for the city’s downtown reconstruction project, with major construction expected to become more visible in early August. Throughout the multi-year project, the city plans to provide regular updates on traffic changes, construction schedules and expected impacts for businesses and the public.