KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) After nearly a year of planning, debate, and weather delays, work to enhance safety at the Route 9 and Sullivan Road intersection is scheduled to begin Thursday evening, June 19, at 7 p.m. The overnight project will require the temporary closure of one westbound lane on Route 9 as pavement crews remove old markings and install a new hatched lane designed to reduce crash risks.

The work, led by the city’s contractor, Refinish Lines, is expected to be completed by 4 a.m. Friday, June 20, with traffic shifting to the updated configuration shortly after.

Drivers are urged to use caution, obey flaggers and traffic signage, and expect minor disruptions during the brief closure. The project represents a key step in a broader effort to address what city officials have called one of Keene’s most problematic intersections.

Back in December 2024, Keene’s Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee held a public discussion with the Department of Transportation about a proposed restriping plan for the Route 9 and Sullivan Road intersection. The meeting followed months of growing concern over a pattern of high-speed rear-end crashes—many involving vehicles attempting to pass while others were stopped to make a left turn.

City Engineer Brian Ruoff initially recommended converting the existing shared passing and turning lane into a dedicated turn lane. However, DOT officials pushed back, citing traffic flow concerns, and instead proposed a hatched lane—an option that visually discourages passing without formally restricting movement.

City officials were prepared to move forward with the revised design last winter, but a bout of freezing rain put the plan on hold. The reflective striping materials require temperatures of at least 45 degrees and rising to properly bond to the pavement, and the weather window closed before work could begin.

Even as the restriping was delayed, city leaders discussed other potential long-term fixes, including raising the road or correcting a dip in visibility on the Keene side of the intersection. The city is also advocating for the intersection to be added to the state’s 10-year infrastructure improvement plan, which could eventually fund a more comprehensive redesign.

The upcoming work comes after a series of serious crashes dating back to 2023 brought urgent attention to the intersection. The unusual configuration—where a single lane allows both turning and passing—has led to dangerous and often high-impact rear-end collisions, especially when drivers misjudge the intentions or speeds of other vehicles.

Officials believe the hatched striping now scheduled for installation will provide an immediate, cost-effective measure to make the area safer while longer-term options remain under consideration.

Residents with questions about the project can contact the Keene Department of Public Works at 603-352-6550.