KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Casella Construction is proposing to advance underground utility work between Water Street and Emerald Street while crews continue working in Central Square, a change the contractor said could help the downtown reconstruction project recover time after its delayed start.

The proposal was discussed Wednesday during the city’s monthly Coffee and Hard Hats meeting, which gives residents, business owners and community members an opportunity to hear updates on the project and ask questions. Keene Public Works Director Don Lussier led the discussion, with Casella representatives outlining the proposed phasing.

Public Works emphasized that the presentation was intended to gather feedback and that no specific authorization for the additional work was being requested Wednesday.

Casella said working in the second area before Central Square is completely finished would allow the project to make progress on underground utilities in two locations rather than waiting for all of the Central Square work to be completed. The contractor said that approach would give the project a better chance of catching up following the late start and finishing on schedule.

Work Could Begin After Pumpkin Festival

Casella said it hopes to begin the additional work after the Keene Pumpkin Festival, with construction divided into short segments rather than opening a long stretch of roadway at once.

The proposed work would advance in roughly week-long sections, with crews moving through the area one utility at a time.

The anticipated sequence is sewer work first, followed by water and then drainage. If weather conditions allow, Casella said it hopes to move from sewer work into water work before winter conditions make excavation impractical.

The proposed water work includes approximately 600 feet of 16-inch water pipe extending from Water Street along the roadway and beneath areas currently used for parking.

Casella said it intends to continue working into early winter as long as weather permits. The contractor noted that obtaining hot-mix asphalt becomes more difficult after Thanksgiving, but said it is willing to travel farther to obtain asphalt so disturbed areas can be patched and construction can continue.

Traffic Impacts Expected to be Limited

Casella and Public Works said much of the proposed utility work between Water Street and Emerald Street would take place along the edges of the roadway, allowing traffic to continue moving in most cases.

Temporary lane closures and traffic funneling into a single lane would be necessary for some portions of the work, including when a pipe crosses the roadway.

Davis Street could also need to close for a day when crews cross the street, with a detour provided.

Officials said the disruptions are expected to be more limited than the continuous traffic-control challenges associated with the Central Square work.

Businesses to Receive Notice of Service Interruptions

The proposed phasing prompted discussion about the importance of keeping downtown businesses and residents informed, particularly because the schedule differs from what had previously been communicated.

Members of the group stressed that businesses need clear information about the new sequencing and potential impacts before work begins. Casella acknowledged that the proposed approach represents a change from earlier expectations.

Public Works said businesses will receive at least 72 hours’ notice for utility or service interruptions.

There is no specific advance-notice requirement for ordinary construction activity that does not involve a service interruption, although the city and contractor said they will continue using the project’s broader communication efforts to keep businesses and residents informed.

Central Square Work Continues

Meanwhile, underground utility work in Central Square is continuing and is expected to remain a major focus through the end of the year.

The revised phasing is intended to prevent the late start of the approximately $26 million project from pushing construction into 2029. By advancing work in another section while Central Square construction continues, Casella said it hopes to make up some of the lost time without creating unnecessary disruption for downtown businesses and residents.

The project is replacing aging water, sewer and drainage infrastructure while also providing improvements to sidewalks, accessibility, curbs, landscaping and other downtown streetscape features.

Officials said Wednesday’s discussion was part of the ongoing process of reviewing the revised schedule and receiving feedback from the downtown community as construction moves forward.