KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Downtown Infrastructure Project construction on Keene’s Central Square is moving into a more disruptive phase this week as crews transition from initial site preparation and tree removal to major sewer and water work.

Keene Public Works Director Don Lussier and Brian Rossier of Casella Construction provided an update Wednesday morning at this month’s Coffee and Hard Hats meeting on the work ahead, including tree removals and transplanting, underground utility construction, traffic control, equipment, telecommunications concerns and the project’s longer-term schedule. The meeting, normally held at the Transportation Center, was on Central Square by the gazebo this morning.

The first phase of tree work is scheduled to begin tomorrow at 7 a.m., Lussier said. Work Thursday will focus primarily on the south and west sides of Central Square. A crane will be brought in Friday to remove some of the larger trees.

The city previously identified 18 trees for removal or relocation as part of the project. Trees marked with pink ribbons are slated to be removed, while trees marked for transplanting will be relocated instead.

Three smaller trees near The Pour House in the Chamberlain Block are expected to be moved to the city’s Public Works property. The trees could replace four unhealthy ash trees that were removed during an earlier parking lot project.

The city is also considering planting additional trees at Pat Russell Park, although environmental restrictions limit where trees can be planted near the river. There is also interest in adding shade near the skate park. Lussier said the Parks Department will determine appropriate locations in coordination with Public Works.

City officials are trying to preserve other vegetation whenever possible. Parks and Recreation staff and the highway superintendent have identified perennials, shrubs, azaleas and rhododendrons in Phase 1 that could be reused. Those plants have already been removed and relocated.

The city is also reviewing whether more information should be added to its public materials explaining the tree work, including the meaning of the different ribbon colors, where transplanted trees will go and plans for future plantings.

Sewer And Water Work Takes Center Stage

With the initial tree work underway, underground utilities will soon become the primary focus of construction.

Rossier said the next month will largely be devoted to sewer and water work, which will bring larger excavators, loaders and trucks into the downtown construction zone.

Major sewer excavation on West Street could begin as soon as next week.

The project’s delayed start means some work originally anticipated for this construction season has shifted into the spring. Paving and much of the curb work are now expected to take place next spring.

The immediate goal is to complete as much water and sewer installation as possible before winter and begin portions of the drainage work. Officials said they do not expect all drainage work to be finished this year.

Temporary water connections and tie-ins will be coordinated as construction progresses to keep businesses and residences supplied while permanent connections are installed.

More Equipment and Traffic Impacts

The increase in underground construction will also mean a noticeable change in activity around Central Square.

Flaggers currently working in the area are primarily helping pedestrians safely navigate around the construction zone. Officials have discussed the possibility of having police officers direct traffic, but Lussier said police-directed traffic is subject to state requirements involving traffic signals and traffic control.

Larger wheeled equipment, including loaders, generally will travel using normal traffic routes. Larger excavators and other heavy equipment will be brought into the area on trailers and then remain within the construction zone rather than traveling on public streets each day.

At night, equipment will be consolidated inside the work area and separated from active travel lanes with cones and barrels.

Granite curbing removed during construction also will be salvaged. Pieces suitable for reuse will be incorporated into the project, while other usable granite will be retained by Public Works for future city projects.

Telecommunications Problems Being Watched

Officials were also asked about reports of crackling telephone service and unreliable internet at the Bank of America building.

Lussier and Rossier said they do not believe the current construction is responsible for those problems. The building has older telecommunications infrastructure, and the work completed so far has not involved the type of infrastructure expected to cause the reported issues.

Crews are expected to work near a large telecommunications duct bank next week, however. Officials said activity in that area could be monitored more closely if telecommunications problems continue.

Wood Chips Could Be Available

The tree removals also prompted a question about whether residents might eventually be able to obtain some of the resulting wood chips.

Lussier said the chips generally belong to the tree contractor, which determines how the material is handled under its contract.

If the contractor does not have a use or disposal plan for the chips, the city could consider storing some at the Public Works yard and potentially establishing a location where residents could pick them up.

Officials also discussed whether chips from diseased trees would be appropriate for landscaping, noting that potential pathogens and how quickly the material breaks down would need to be considered.

Project Remains on Track For December 2028 Completion

Despite the increasing disruption downtown, officials said the project remains within its contractual schedule.

Construction is expected to continue through late November or early December this year, with weather potentially allowing some work to continue into mid-December.

Saturday work is not currently planned. Officials said weekend work could become necessary in an emergency, such as a utility break, but would require approval.

Rossier said Casella is currently working according to the project’s adjusted schedule, although construction began later than originally anticipated.

Officials also addressed rumors that the Central Square Terrace work could continue for three to five years.

Lussier said Casella is contractually required to complete the project by the end of December 2028. Extensions could be considered through formal change orders when circumstances warrant, such as shifting late-season concrete work into more favorable spring weather, but officials said there is no expectation that the project will stretch to five years.

Lussier also said Casella has the ability to add multiple crews if additional resources are needed to accelerate construction.

Rossier acknowledged that the work will create significant disruption for downtown businesses, residents, pedestrians and motorists.

He said the contractor understands the impact and is working to minimize those disruptions while completing the reconstruction and returning Central Square to normal as quickly as possible.

The next Coffee and Hard Hats meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 9 a.m. at the Transportation Center on Gilbo Avenue.