KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Drivers and downtown businesses should prepare for another week of construction-related traffic changes as work on Keene’s Downtown Infrastructure Project moves forward, with crews scheduled to tackle sewer and water connections, begin additional work on Davis Street and coordinate with gas utility crews along Main Street.

The Roxbury Street and Central Square intersection will remain closed Monday, Nov. 9, through Friday, Nov. 13. Drivers heading from Roxbury Street toward Central Square will need to follow a detour using Franklin and Beaver streets.

Temporary lane shifts and closures are also expected on both the northbound and southbound sides of Main Street between Water Street and Central Square throughout the week.

According to the latest Downtown Project update issued Nov. 6 by Assistant City Engineer Bill Siemer, Casella Construction will continue installing underground infrastructure, including new sewer pipe and structures extending north from Roxbury Street toward Washington Street. Work will also begin on new sewer infrastructure along Davis Street.

Crews are additionally expected to finish connecting buildings around Central Square to the newly installed water mains. The city reported that the new water mains have already undergone disinfection, flushing and testing, with results confirming the absence of bacteria.

Meanwhile, Liberty Utilities is scheduled to replace gas service connections along Main Street between Water and Davis streets from Monday through Thursday, Nov. 12.

Parking restrictions around Central Square

Motorists looking for parking downtown should also anticipate temporary restrictions throughout the week.

Several parking spaces along the north, east and west sides of Central Square will be unavailable beginning at 7 a.m. each day. Spaces marked with orange cones or barriers are considered no-parking areas and will remain restricted until the end of the workday.

Public parking lots within walking distance of the square will remain available. Drivers can find additional information about downtown parking options through the city’s Parking Services webpage.

Despite the daytime disruptions, the city says traffic patterns and parking conditions are expected to return to normal by the end of each workday.

Drivers and pedestrians are encouraged to use caution around construction crews and watch for changing traffic patterns as work progresses.

Public invited to monthly project meeting

Residents, business owners and others interested in the Downtown Infrastructure Project will have an opportunity to hear updates and ask questions during the next Coffee & Hardhats gathering.

The monthly meeting, hosted by Keene Public Works, is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m. at the Transportation Center, 12 Gilbo Ave.

The informal meetings are intended to give the public a chance to learn about ongoing construction, discuss upcoming work and raise concerns directly with project representatives.

Those unable to attend can sign up for project email updates and find additional information through the city’s website.

Construction to continue on Veterans Day

Although Keene city offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day, Casella Construction plans to maintain its regular work schedule.

The city advises motorists to remain alert throughout the project area, as construction activities and associated traffic restrictions may change as crews move between work locations.