KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Drivers traveling through Keene this week may encounter detours, lane closures and alternating traffic patterns as the city and its contractors continue a series of road, sidewalk and infrastructure improvement projects across several neighborhoods.

One of the largest projects begins Monday on Marlboro Street, where crews from Bazin Brothers are scheduled to start full-depth roadway reconstruction and curb work between Baker Street and Eastern Avenue. The project is expected to last about a week. Traffic through the active construction zone will be reduced to alternating one-way travel during working hours before returning to normal conditions each evening.

Bazin Brothers will also continue sidewalk construction on Bartholomew Court and along the Cheshire Rail Trail connector to Marlboro Street. That work, which begins Monday morning, is expected to continue through the week with alternating one-way traffic in place while crews are working.

On Island Street, contractor SUR West will prepare the roadway for final paving on Monday before returning Tuesday with subcontractor BDM to place the finished pavement surface. The work will require the closure of Island Street at Winchester Street, with traffic detoured via Pearl Street. One lane of West Street near Island Street will also be closed, and alternating traffic patterns will be used near the work zone. The paving operation is expected to take two days.

At the City Hall parking garage, contractor Structural Preservation Systems will continue concrete repair work throughout the week. City officials said the project is expected to remain underway for roughly another month.

Sidewalk improvements are also ongoing on Willow Street. BC Construction will continue installing new sidewalks, with periodic closures to through traffic during concrete pours and alternating one-way traffic at other times. The remaining sidewalk work is expected to take about three weeks.

Near Cheshire Medical Center on Court Street, Faulkner Landscaping is scheduled to spend two days enhancing landscaping within the traffic circle island near 580 Court St. The city does not anticipate significant traffic disruptions from that project.

Meanwhile, the George Street Bridge replacement project will move into a new phase Monday as contractor New England Infrastructure Inc. begins installing stormwater diversion systems needed for future bridge demolition work. George Street near the project area will be closed and detoured while crews are on site. The work is expected to take two days.

Several shorter-duration projects are also planned this week:

  • Frank Lucius Construction will install a pavement patch Monday afternoon near 34 Court St. following recent water service work. Alternating one-way traffic will be in place during construction.
  • CW Davis Construction will continue repairs to a sewer service lateral near 41 Hillside Ave. Monday, with alternating traffic expected around the work area.
  • James T. Lynch Construction will repair sidewalk sections near 317 Winchester St., adjacent to McDonald’s, beginning Monday. Traffic will be shifted around the work zone for approximately two days.

City officials are asking motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to use caution around active work areas and allow extra travel time while projects are underway. The city said normal traffic patterns will generally be restored at the end of each workday whenever possible.