The analysis provides the comparison of the capabilities of the design proposed on this site and the design currently provided on the Keene City web site. The currently proposed design is accessible on the Keene City Web Site. 

 

For your reference -       [Downtown Improvements Project Informational Update | City of Keene (keenenh.gov)].

 

The analysis provides a simple solution as described in this document.  The current proposed design on the Keene CIty web site provides numerous modifications to the current traffic flows around the Keene Commons. limiting traffic flows and access.  The simple explanation/motivation for all the modifications proposed stems from to the closing of the north end of the Keene Square.  There is no real significant value-add to this current design and the configuration as a result is very damaging to the Keene Historic culture. 

Allowing the existing traffic circle to maintain its current integrity, obviates the need for the following components of the new proposed Stantec design:

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 1. The proposed traffic circle south of the current square, which would change the Historical Keene presentation.

 2. The single lane streets and their constraints imposed on:

     a. traffic flow (single lanes) - backups 

     b. parking reduced and congestion blocking traffic

     c. delivery vehicles  

     d. bus riders and handicap persons

     e. fire and emergency vehicle access - 

                    (access to South Main, round about for ladder trucks, single lane traffic congestion). 

     f. parking slots on the square perimeter changing significantly the character and view of the park.  In addition, there            will be occupant traffic created in the park. 
    ** This would require sidewalks and meters in within the park completely changing the ambiance of Central Square               Park!  Essentially ruining the current park experience. **

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3. Single lane and limitations of the proposed roundabout relating to current traffic and future traffic growth. 
    (holidays, summer visitors, festivals, etc.)

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The solution proposed in this document does not have significant problems in any of these areas. There are still areas requiring design:

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1 New traffic light algorithms - efficiency (dynamics based on flow sensors, new right turns)

2.Crosswalk at South end of the circle - new waiting area in the middle and (1)

3.Bicycle traffic analasys and design.  (a solution is currently proposed in Bike and People section)  

   

                                                    Preserving the Historical Identiy and Beauty of Keene Square