KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene’s Municipal Services, Facilities, and Infrastructure Committee is calling on city staff and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop an action plan to address safety concerns at the intersection of Sullivan Road and Route 9, the site of multiple serious accidents this summer.

The intersection has been a focal point of discussion since a July crash left three people with life-threatening injuries. A second serious accident involving a motorcyclist occurred just weeks later. These incidents spurred the city to examine various safety improvements, which were first discussed during a public meeting on October 10.

At Wednesday’s MSFI meeting, City Engineer Bryan Ruoff presented a range of potential solutions, from minor changes such as installing flashing lights to more significant proposals like reconfiguring the entire intersection. However, many of these ideas, including installing rumble strips or reducing speed limits, require DOT approval. The DOT has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of some of the proposed changes and has deemed them non-standard for this type of road.

Public Works Director Don Lussier emphasized that the only action the city could implement immediately, without DOT approval, would be closing the south end of Sullivan Road. However, this suggestion has met resistance from both committee members and the public, who worry about increased travel times and reduced access for emergency vehicles.

Ward Two City Councilor Mitch Greenwald, who chairs the committee, acknowledged the dilemma but stressed the urgency of taking action. “We have to do something,” Greenwald said, citing the dangerous combination of high speeds, a passing lane, and poor visibility at the intersection. While Greenwald expressed a preference for closing the intersection before winter, he noted that some residents oppose this option and urged the public to continue sharing feedback.

Several recommendations from the public have been considered, including improving lighting, and even constructing an overpass. More long-term solutions, such as creating a roundabout or widening Route 9, were also proposed, though these options would require extensive planning and cooperation with the state.

Ultimately, the committee decided to place the issue on “more time,” with plans to revisit it in early December. By that time, the city hopes to have a more concrete action plan, developed in collaboration with the DOT and local emergency services.

The intersection improvements are part of Keene’s broader Roadway Safety Action Plan, a city-wide initiative to address traffic safety concerns based on data from the past decade. The project is set to conclude in November, with a final report to be presented to the City Council.