KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene Public Works Director Don Lussier says the long-awaited reconstruction of downtown Keene is entering its next phase, with the project’s main contractor expected to begin work in the street on Monday, July 27, marking the start of a multi-year effort to modernize infrastructure in the heart of the city.

During an appearance on Saturday Morning Live with host Councilor Randy Filiault and co-host Dan Eaton on WKBK Radio, Lussier outlined the timeline for the downtown project, provided updates on Marlboro Street improvements and discussed how the city plans to keep businesses and residents informed throughout construction.

Downtown Work About to Shift Into High Gear

Lussier said Liberty Utilities has been working closely with the city while replacing gas lines ahead of the larger reconstruction effort. He praised the utility’s coordination throughout the planning process, particularly its local operations manager, whom he described as having an “encyclopedic knowledge” of the company’s underground infrastructure.

Once Liberty completes enough of its work, Casella Construction will begin mobilizing equipment and materials before moving into the street.

“They’re expecting to start work in the street on Monday the 27th,” Lussier said.

Exactly where crews will begin remains subject to change as the city coordinates with Liberty’s progress.

“I would say right now it’s sort of etched in jello,” he said.

Current plans call for work to begin on the north side of Central Square near the stage, where relatively few buildings receive utility service. Initial construction will focus primarily on travel lanes, including water line installation and new curbing, allowing sidewalks in that area to remain in place for the time being.

Before major excavation begins, contractors will spend the first week digging exploratory test pits to precisely locate existing underground utilities.

Project Expected to Last Several Years

Lussier acknowledged the scope of the project means construction will continue for approximately 2½ to three years. Rather than treating it as one continuous disruption, however, the city plans to divide the work into manageable sections.

He said the phased approach should make it easier for residents, businesses and visitors to understand where work is taking place and what impacts to expect.

Infrastructure Improvements Extend Below Ground

Much of the project involves infrastructure most people will never see.

Lussier explained that electrical transformers were relocated from underground sidewalk vaults to the backs of buildings around 2014 and 2015 because flooding repeatedly damaged equipment.

He also discussed Town Brook, which still flows beneath City Hall. A future phase of the project will fill the void surrounding the brook beneath the building to reduce soil movement that has contributed to settlement around the structure’s foundation.

Tree Plan Designed to Address Public Concerns

Questions about tree removal have generated significant public discussion in recent months.

To make the plans easier to understand, engineers marked trees throughout downtown with colored ribbons. Pink ribbons identify trees scheduled for removal, blue ribbons mark those that will be transplanted and unmarked trees will remain in place.

Lussier said approximately 67 trees are expected to be removed while about 155 new trees will be planted, increasing the total number of downtown trees by roughly 40 to 45 percent once the project is complete.

He added the city is planting a wider variety of species while still including American elms to honor Keene’s identity as the Elm City.

Weekly Updates Planned Throughout Construction

Recognizing that rumors have circulated about the project, Lussier said the city intends to communicate frequently through social media, email updates and direct outreach.

Communications staff Rebecca Landry and Asa Kramer have been sharing information online to correct misconceptions about the project, including clarifying that major features such as the fountain, bandstand and much of the Common will remain.

Lussier also committed to providing at least one project email update each week, with additional notices whenever traffic patterns change. Anyone can subscribe through the downtown project page on the city’s website.

The city has also appointed project ombudsman George Hansel, who will serve as a liaison between contractors, businesses and nearby residents.

Lussier said Hansel’s role is not to advocate for the project but to ensure concerns raised by property owners and merchants are communicated promptly to the construction team so they can be addressed.

Outdoor Dining Will Continue When Possible

One of the biggest concerns among downtown businesses has been the effect construction will have on sidewalk cafés.

Lussier said the city’s original message—that some restaurants could lose outdoor seating for an entire summer—was met with understandable frustration. Officials have since adjusted their approach.

Instead, businesses will receive several weeks’ notice before construction reaches their storefront, allowing them time to remove outdoor furniture only during active work in front of their locations.

He said most restaurants should be able to operate sidewalk cafés for much of the season, with interruptions generally limited to several three-week construction windows. In some cases, outdoor dining may even continue on temporary gravel surfaces between construction phases.

Lussier added that Casella Construction has committed to easing into the project rather than taking a “shock and awe” approach, with an emphasis on maintaining communication and minimizing disruption.

Marlboro Street Project Nearing Completion

The interview also focused on the ongoing Marlboro Street reconstruction project.

Lussier explained that what began as a roughly $200,000 city-funded sidewalk project expanded dramatically after Keene secured grant funding, allowing officials to incorporate additional pedestrian safety improvements. The larger scope required more state and federal review, contributing to delays.

When complete, Marlboro Street will feature new crosswalks at Dartmouth, Baker and Grove streets, each equipped with flashing pedestrian beacons.

The redesigned roadway also includes traffic-calming features known as chicanes—intentional curves that encourage drivers to reduce speed on what had previously been a long, straight stretch of pavement.

Lane widths are being narrowed to approximately 10 feet while new curb extensions, rain gardens and raised bump-outs will further reinforce slower traffic speeds.

Lussier said driving one of the city’s dump trucks after earning his commercial driver’s license gave him a new appreciation for just how deteriorated Marlboro Street had become before reconstruction began.

He also highlighted the city’s ongoing sidewalk improvement program, noting that a used sidewalk paver purchased online has already paid for itself by allowing crews to complete more work in-house.

Throughout the interview, Lussier emphasized that while the downtown reconstruction and other infrastructure projects will inevitably create temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits include safer streets, upgraded utilities, improved pedestrian access and a stronger foundation for downtown Keene’s future.

Listen to the full interview: