KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Construction in Keene’s Central Square is moving into its next phase as crews prepare to install a new section of water main beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Liberty Utilities has completed installation of a new gas main on both the east and west sides of the square, marking a significant step in the ongoing downtown infrastructure project.

Casella Construction, the city’s contractor, has continued water main work on the west side of Central Square and will shift operations to the north end of the square next week. Crews are scheduled to begin near Court Street Tuesday and work east toward Washington Street throughout the week.

The construction will bring temporary changes for drivers, pedestrians and people looking for parking around the square.

On Tuesday, the west side of Central Square will be closed to southbound vehicle traffic. Southbound traffic traveling on Court Street will be detoured onto School Street and West Street. Access to Winter Street will remain available to local traffic.

Beginning Wednesday, the north side of Central Square will close to vehicle traffic. Northbound motorists traveling through the square will be directed to Washington Street, Union Street and Court Street. Southbound traffic on Washington Street will be detoured through Union Street to Court Street.

Parking restrictions also are planned.

Parking on the west side of Central Square will be unavailable Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Wednesday through Friday, parking on the north side of the square will be closed during the same hours.

Several public parking lots within walking distance of Central Square will remain available during the construction. Additional parking information is available through the city’s Parking Services webpage.

Workers also will continue installing fencing and protective materials around trees located near construction areas.

City officials cautioned that the schedule and traffic patterns could change as construction progresses and urged motorists and pedestrians to use caution around active work zones.

The city also will hold its next Coffee & Hardhats meeting Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 9 a.m. at the Keene Transportation Center. Representatives from Casella Construction are expected to discuss the upcoming work in Central Square and answer questions from residents.

Questions about the downtown project can be directed to Downtown Project Ombudsman George Downing at 603-757-2105 or gdowning@keenenh.gov. Assistant City Engineer Bill Siemer also can be reached at 603-352-6550.