KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) City officials are gathering public input tonight on possible safety improvements to the intersection of Sullivan Road and Route 9, which has been the site of multiple serious accidents this summer. The Keene Public Works Department will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall to discuss potential changes, including the possibility of closing the road that connects Sullivan Road to Route 9.
In July, a severe crash involving five people, three of whom suffered life-threatening injuries, occurred at the intersection. Just over a month later, another accident involving a motorcyclist highlighted ongoing safety concerns. These incidents prompted the city to explore various safety measures, including installing flashing lights and improving signage. However, some residents who use the road as a shortcut have voiced opposition to a potential closure, and there are concerns about how it might affect emergency vehicle access.
Ward Two City Councilor Mitch Greenwald, whose district includes the intersection, discussed the issue earlier today on Dan Mitchell’s Open Mic program on WKBK Radio. Greenwald emphasized that the combination of high speeds on Route 9, the passing lane, and the challenging left turn onto Sullivan Road creates a hazardous situation. He chairs the City Council’s Municipal Services, Facilities, and Infrastructure Committee, which will likely recommend closing the intersection at its Oc. 23 meeting.
The public meeting is part of the city’s broader Roadway Safety Action Plan, a project aimed at analyzing traffic data from the past 10 years to improve road safety, according to a news release from the public works department. The project is expected to conclude in November with a presentation to the City Council.
The meeting will take place tonight at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 3 Washington St., second floor in City Council chambers. Residents who cannot attend can submit feedback via email to City Engineer Bryan Ruoff at bruoff@keenenh.org.
Listen to the full interview with Councilor Greenwald here:
