KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene Public Works Director Don Lussier joined Dan Mitchell on WKBK’s Good Morning show Tuesday to provide an in-depth update on the city’s upcoming infrastructure plans, including the much-anticipated Main Street reconstruction project next year and a wide range of summer road improvements.

During the broadcast, Lussier confirmed that the Main Street project is scheduled to begin in April or May of 2026. He noted that subsurface investigations have already been completed and came back with no surprises. The city is also in the process of hiring an ombudsman who will serve as a liaison between the city, business owners, and the public throughout the project. Lussier acknowledged that outdoor dining may be temporarily affected during construction but emphasized that efforts are underway to minimize disruptions.

The city is also seeking additional funding to support the Main Street work, including a federal RISE grant, which officials expect to hear back on in June. Congressional earmarks are also being pursued for fiscal year 2026.

Lussier detailed several other infrastructure projects scheduled for this year, including the Marlboro Street reconstruction, which is being rebid after initial bids came in over budget, and the Island Street roadwork project, which will also be rebid after receiving no bids during the first round.

Other major initiatives on the horizon include:

  • Key Road drainage system replacement

  • Winchester Street improvements, with final design nearing submission to NHDOT for right-of-way acquisition

  • Phase One of the Transportation Heritage Trail

  • A new pedestrian crosswalk with flashing beacons on West Street near Pearl Street, expected by the end of May

Lussier also shared plans for routine road and sidewalk repairs across the city. Sidewalk work is scheduled on Gardner, Jennison, and Willow Streets, while road resurfacing and preservation will take place on streets such as Bank, Cedar, and Warren, as well as throughout the Greenwood Avenue neighborhood.

In a nod to green initiatives, Lussier mentioned that Eversource will be giving away 250 trees this season, while the city will plant an additional 40 new street trees.

Wrapping up the segment, Lussier highlighted the return of Keene’s “Ward Optimization Weeks,” a program running in July and August that allows residents to submit service requests to be addressed by city crews in a targeted way.

Listen to the full interview: