Keene · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Keene public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
School Street speeding and cut-through traffic
Duncan Hilchey and Amy Christian asked for a traffic study and safety assessment of School Street; the council unanimously sent it to staff for a report.
Central Square Traffic Lane Configuration
The downtown project's plan squeezes traffic north of the Common into a single 22-foot lane with a raised crosswalk. Business owners and some councilors want two 11-foot lanes, arguing one lane will bottleneck traffic and hurt downtown commerce; Public Works says the single lane is safer for pedestrians and can be changed later since it's only paint. The full council will take this up.
Downtown infrastructure construction timeline
The contractor wants to push sewer work into winter between Water and Emerald Streets to keep the 2028 finish date on track, but councilors worry about telling downtown businesses the schedule has changed yet again.
Roadway Safety: Roxbury Street, Route 9 and Route 12
Multiple safety items are before the council: proposed rumble strips on Route 12 and Route 9, a safety audit at Route 9 and Whitcomb's Mill Road, resident Erik Murphy's petition on the South Lincoln/Roxbury Street intersection, an ordinance for two new stop signs on Roxbury Street, and Councilor Tobin's request for a Roadway Safety Action Plan update.
Route 12 and Route 9 Rumble Strips
Multiple safety items are before the council: proposed rumble strips on Route 12 and Route 9, a safety audit at Route 9 and Whitcomb's Mill Road, resident Erik Murphy's petition on the South Lincoln/Roxbury Street intersection, an ordinance for two new stop signs on Roxbury Street, and Councilor Tobin's request for a Roadway Safety Action Plan update.
Route 101 Reconstruction Project
A $21.6 million NHDOT rebuild of Rt. 101 is fully funded and on track: new roundabout at Swanzey Factory Road, replacement of the 1933 Branch River bridge, 5-foot shoulders, and a left-turn lane at Branch Road. Construction runs spring 2029 to fall 2031, with a public hearing May 28.