KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Construction on Keene’s downtown infrastructure project continues this week, with crews focusing on water main installation around Central Square and additional traffic changes expected throughout the work zone.

Casella Construction successfully installed new water main from Washington Street down to the south side of Central Square last week. From Monday, September 28, through Thursday, October 1, crews will continue installing water main along the south side of the Square and west toward West Street. New water service connections will also be made to buildings along the east side of Central Square.

On Thursday, October 1, crews are expected to connect the new water main to the existing main on West Street. That work will require a temporary water shutoff for select buildings on West Street and within Central Square. Property owners, building managers and tenants affected by the shutoff are expected to be notified by Monday.

The construction will also bring several traffic and parking changes. On Monday, the east and west sides of Central Square will be restricted to one travel lane, while northbound and southbound traffic will continue through the Square.

From Tuesday, September 29, through Wednesday, September 30, access across the north end of Central Square will be closed. Northbound traffic on Washington Street will be detoured onto Union Street and Court Street.

West Street at Central Square will also be closed to traffic from Tuesday through Friday. Westbound and southbound traffic traveling through the Square will be directed to Gilbo Avenue and School Street, while eastbound traffic on West Street will be detoured through School Street, Gilbo Avenue and Main Street.

Several parking spaces on the north, east and west sides of Central Square will be closed from 7 a.m. through the end of the workday Monday through Friday. City officials say several public parking lots within walking distance of the Square will remain open.

Construction crews may work past 5 p.m. when conditions allow in order to take advantage of daylight and good weather and maintain productivity.

Meanwhile, the city is reviewing a proposed change to the project’s construction phasing. During this week’s Municipal Safety, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee meeting, Casella Construction outlined a strategy that could allow work to continue into the early winter in an effort to accelerate upcoming phases of the project.

City staff are reviewing the revised plan. If approved, underground utility work between Water Street and Emerald Street could begin ahead of schedule this spring. A finalized construction schedule is expected to be released in the near future.

City officials are reminding motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to use caution and be prepared for changing traffic patterns as construction progresses.