KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene’s full City Council is scheduled to take up the ongoing debate over traffic flow around Central Square during its meeting this evening following a committee recommendation to retain the Downtown Project’s approved single-lane configuration.

The Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee voted 4–1 last month to recommend keeping the existing design, which calls for a single lane of traffic across the north end of Central Square. Under that arrangement, motorists would need to merge before continuing toward Court Street, turning onto West Street or heading back down Main Street.

The proposal has drawn questions from residents and downtown business interests concerned about potential congestion, vehicle access and how the configuration could affect traffic circulation once the project is complete.

Committee members considered an alternative that would restore two 11-foot-wide lanes across the square. Supporters of that approach argued it could improve traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks, while others raised concerns about pedestrian safety and the limited space available for vehicles approaching the intersection from different directions.

The committee ultimately recommended leaving the one-lane design in place, although the decision is not necessarily the final word on the configuration.

Mayor Jay Kahn, who supports a two-lane arrangement, addressed the issue Monday during WKBK’s Open Mic program. He said the city could still make adjustments down the road, even if it proceeds with the currently approved design.

Kahn indicated that retaining the single-lane configuration now would not prevent the city from revisiting the arrangement in the future if experience shows that changes are needed.

The possibility of using pavement markings to modify traffic patterns has also been discussed by Public Works Director Don Lussier, who previously explained that the configuration could be adjusted if the initial design does not function as intended.

The Central Square redesign is part of Keene’s larger Downtown Infrastructure Improvement Project, which includes extensive replacement and upgrades to aging water, sewer, drainage and other underground infrastructure, along with improvements to the streetscape.

Tonight’s City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Keene City Hall.