KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Traffic safety improvements at one of Keene’s busiest neighborhood intersections moved a step closer to becoming reality Wednesday as the Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee voted to advance a proposed four-way stop while also reviewing several major infrastructure projects across the city.

The committee unanimously directed city staff to prepare an ordinance establishing a four-way stop at the intersection of South Lincoln and Roxbury streets after hearing concerns from residents about crashes, speeding and limited visibility. The ordinance will now be drafted for consideration by the full Keene City Council.

Committee members also asked staff to return with additional recommendations aimed at improving safety both immediately and over the long term. Among the options discussed were temporary speed humps, enhanced warning signs, improved sightlines and other traffic-calming measures.

Public Works Director Don Lussier said the intersection’s restricted visibility presents engineering challenges and will require additional evaluation, but committee members agreed that potential short-term improvements should be explored while permanent solutions are developed.

The committee also received an update on the first phase of planned improvements to the Robin Hood Park pool and bathhouse.

Representatives from CHA Consulting presented an assessment of the aging facility, identifying deteriorating infrastructure, accessibility concerns and a pool leak estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000 gallons of water each day.

Consultants outlined multiple renovation options. A basic rehabilitation project is expected to cost more than $1.1 million once engineering, contingency and other project expenses are included. A larger renovation featuring a zero-depth entry pool would raise the estimated cost to approximately $1.6 million, while splash features and other family-oriented amenities could be considered in future phases.

Committee members said they want to strike a balance between keeping the project affordable and making meaningful improvements that will benefit the community for years to come.

Members also heard two presentations from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation on planned roadway safety improvements.

One project calls for installing centerline and shoulder rumble strips along sections of Routes 9 and 12 to reduce roadway departure crashes. According to state data, Route 12 experienced 42 crashes between 2017 and 2024, including 16 vehicles that left the roadway. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2027.

The committee also reviewed the findings of a roadway safety audit at the Route 9 and Whitcombs Mill Road intersection. Recommended improvements include removing vegetation to improve visibility, relocating guardrails and, in the future, constructing dedicated left-turn lanes while modifying roadway geometry to improve traffic flow. No action was taken on either presentation.

Another discussion focused on the proposed solar pavilion planned for Gilbo Avenue. Staff recommended moving ahead with a monoslope roof design after evaluating public feedback, saying it would require less maintenance and provide greater long-term durability than other concepts.

Rather than selecting a final design, however, committee members opted to continue gathering public input before making a recommendation. The presentation was accepted as informational.

Lussier also proposed installing a gate at the entrance to the city’s wastewater treatment plant to prevent overnight vehicle access following reports of illegal activity on the property. Pedestrian and bicycle access would remain available.

The committee also reviewed conceptual plans for future renovations to the terminal building at Dillant-Hopkins Airport. City officials are exploring grant opportunities, including the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Timber for Transit program, before returning with a preferred design and funding strategy.

To close the meeting, Lussier updated committee members on the city’s Downtown Infrastructure Project, saying contracts have been finalized and businesses have received information outlining the upcoming construction schedule.

Preparatory work, including exploratory excavation and tree work, is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Trees scheduled for removal have been marked with pink ribbons, while those slated for relocation are marked in blue.

The committee accepted the downtown construction update as informational and is expected to receive another progress report in September.