KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Starting next week, drivers in downtown Keene may encounter temporary lane and parking closures as the city undertakes a series of utility inspections along Main Street. From Monday, Nov. 18, to Friday, Nov. 22, crews will be conducting test pits to check the locations and depths of existing utility lines, part of the planning phase for upcoming improvements to the city’s sewer system.

Working with engineering firm Stantec, city teams will begin by saw cutting and removing sections of pavement to access the utility lines. They’ll excavate, verify the depth of pipes and other infrastructure, then backfill and patch each area. This process, scheduled to run daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., is a key preliminary step in Keene’s larger Downtown Infrastructure Improvements Project, which aims to upgrade and expand the area’s sanitary sewer system.

The work will take place along Main Street between Marlboro Street and Central Square, with traffic and parking restrictions adjusted as needed. The city has coordinated with the Keene Police Department to minimize traffic disruptions and ensure public safety throughout the week.