Good afternoon,
Casella Construction, Inc. continued making progress on downtown utility upgrades this past week. Crews continued sewer main improvements at the Roxbury Street intersection, working north toward Washington Street. Exploratory excavations also continued along the southern portion of the project near Davis Street to identify existing water, sewer, and drainage utilities. Additionally, the newly installed water main around Central Square was connected to the existing system at Court Street, along with multiple service connections on the north and west sides of the Square.
Planned Work Activities
Monday, November 16 – Friday, November 20
Construction activities will continue to focus on underground utility improvements:
- Sewer Main Installation: Casella will continue installing new sewer pipe and structures, working from the Roxbury Street intersection north toward Washington Street.
- Water Main Connections: Wednesday, November 18 – Thursday, November 19, Casella crews will perform overnight work from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM to complete final water main connections at Washington Street and Roxbury Street.This work will require water main shutdowns affecting buildings on the east side of Central Square and adjacent buildings on Washington Street and Roxbury Street. Notices have been distributed to affected customers who should expect a temporary interruption in water service. Water service will be shut off at 9:00 PM and is scheduled to be restored by 5:00 AM.Casella and City of Keene Department of Public Works (DPW) personnel will be on-site to monitor the work and manage the shutdown.
Parking Impacts
Monday, November 16 – Friday, November 20
- Parking Closures: Several parking spaces on the north, east, and west sides of Central Square will be closed from 7:00 AM until the end of each workday.
- No Parking Zones: Any parking spaces blocked by orange cones or barriers are designated as No Parking zones.
- Alternative Parking: Multiple public parking lots within a short walking distance remain open and available. For parking locations and additional information, please visit the City’s Parking Services webpage.
Traffic Impacts & Detours
Monday, November 16 – Thursday, November 19
- Roxbury Street Closure: The Roxbury Street/Central Square intersection will remain closed. Traffic traveling from Roxbury Street toward Central Square will be detoured via Franklin Street and Beaver Street.
- Washington Street Detour: Northbound traffic on Washington Street will be detoured via Court Street and Mechanic Street.
- Main Street Lane Shifts: Temporary lane shifts and lane closures will be in effect throughout the week on both the northbound and southbound sides of Main Street, between Water Street and Central Square.
- Stay Alert: Construction activities and associated traffic impacts may change as work progresses. Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to use caution, remain alert, and be prepared for changing traffic patterns throughout the project area.
Parking and traffic operations will be restored to normal conditions by the end of each workday, as construction activities allow.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have questions, please contact our Downtown Project Ombudsman, George Downing, at (603) 757-2105 or gdowning@keenenh.gov, or contact me directly at (603) 352-6550.
Bill Siemer, P.E.
Assistant City Engineer
