We're not lost, you just can't find us!

You know how, when you're in a crowd, you know that you're fine, but others may not know where to find you? We just discovered that we were lost in a crowd, but all along we've been just fine! While we're fixing that, if you want to get information on what's going on in Downtown Laconia from the people who are right there, check us out here, give us a thumbs-up, and stay in the know. The 2015 New Hampshire Coffee Festival is coming up in September, and we'll be posting here about that. If you use Twitter, you can follow us there, too! We're not lost, you just can't find us!

New traffic pattern begins Monday through downtown

Phases 1 & 2 of the bridge construction in Downtown Laconia is complete, and traffic will once again be able to travel north on Beacon Street East; the entrance to the free downtown parking garage will again be accessible from that direction. This is the official update from the director of the Laconia Public Works Department, Paul Moynihan:

"On Monday, August 18th adjustments at the work site on Main St. for the Phase 3 traffic lane configuration will take p...lace. This will involve removing of remaining concrete islands and shifting of concrete barriers such that the Main St. north bound traffic lane will be “jogged over to the right” in accordance with the Phase 3 Detour Plan. At this time, Beacon St. East will be re-opened to one-way north bound traffic. Phase 3 Traffic Pattern will be fully operational during the day Monday, August 18th.

From this point forward, access to the Laconia Parking Garage will be via Beacon St. East only. A unique feature of the Phase 3 work is the requirement to close-off the connection from Beacon St. West to both Main St. (north of the bridge) and Beacon St. East. This is necessary in order for the section of the bridge along this connection route to be fully re-constructed. Beacon St. East and Main St. (north of the bridge) will be fully accessible via Main St. running north bound from the Court St. Union Ave. Intersection. Motorists will need to plan their maneuvering the work site accordingly."

You can find detour maps here and regular updates and photos here. By mid-November the first 3 phases of construction will be done, in time for holiday shoppers to visit all of the downtown businesses conveniently. Meanwhile, don't let the detours get you down - downtown is open, and worth getting to. You can always call a local business directly and get detailed directions from your location!

 

Traffic Update for August 1st and 4th

We just heard this bit of news:

Tomorrow (Friday) and Monday (August 1 and 4) there will be limited work activity outside of the Beacon St. East/Main St. construction area.  The Contractor (R. M. Piper) will be making  modifications on the Beacon  St. West side of the bridge in preparation for the upcoming traffic shift required for the Phase 3 work on the bridge.  All efforts will be made to minimize impacts to traffic in Beacon St. West but there will be periodic stopping and/or slowing down of traffic directed by flag personnel. 

The next big traffic changes will be made in mid-August, and we'll let you know as soon as we can.

Daily pictures and updates are here.
The city updates are found here.

Happy Birthday, Dear Colonia Theatre!

Congratulations are in order! The wonderful Colonial Theatre building is 101 years old today! Come and celebrate under the marquee in beautiful Downtown Laconia with the Laconia Historic Society and others Sunday April 13th from noon to 2pm. Share visions and memories - and Happy Birthday, Dear Colonial!

Main St Bridge Update 4/4/14 - NOTE SATURDAY CONSTRUCTION!

 

 

 

The first full week of construction is coming to an end, and here is today's update from Main Street Initiative President John Moriarty:

 

According to Paul’s [Moynihan] morning update, the general work for today is:

 

n  Demolition of sidewalks within construction zone is primary work item

 

But, please take note of this poignant item:

 

n  Contractor (R. M. Piper) crew will work Saturday (4/5) from 7:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. inside barriers of work zone

 

It appears there shouldn’t be any impact on Saturday traffic flow or pattern.  If anything think of this as an opportunity for more customers.  Construction workers will occupy parking spaces normally available on Saturday however.

 

John Moriarty, president

Main Street Initiative of Laconia

john@mymoriarty.net

voice, cell, text 603.455.2084

 

Remember, you can get connected to the Main Street Initiative on both Facebook  and Twitter, or email us to be added to the mailing list. Let us know if you have questions or concerns!

Main St. Bridge Update 4/2/2014

The latest news; there will be more later from Main Street Initiative President John Moriarty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi All – Update this a.m. (Wednesday 4/2),

 

n  Phase 1 Detour in effect
 
n  Construction Progress Meeting # 1 at City Hall today at 8:00 a.m. – Room 200-A

 

n  Bridge Work essentially confined to the Beacon St. East construction area

 

n  Work proceeding in prep for existing concrete deck removal in the Phase 1 area

 

n  Some work on the perimeter of the work zone but traffic should flow unimpeded.

 

If you have questions or concerns, please call.  -- Paul

Main Street Bridge Update 4/1/2014

You can get a close up view from the pedestrian walkway between Main St. and Beacon St. East, or a bird's eye view from the second floor of the parking garage.

 

 

From Main Street Initiative President John Moriarty:

 

We are well into day two of the Beacon Street East detour and traffic appears to be moving fairly well.  The small exception has been when traffic slows down because of genuine interest in seeing the progress being made.  If you find yourself falling into the category of person who finds big construction projects fascinating, please take a look at our Facebook page to see Melissa’s pictures and updates.

 

There will be a presentation tomorrow morning at City Hall by the project team, at 8:00 a.m. in room 200 A.

 

As always, please forward questions to Paul, or drop me a line and I will see that they get to him.  As I am writing this, I am collating a short list to send to him.  I will post them and the answers as they are confirmed.

 

Enjoy Spring, and Paul’s update below.

 

Hi All – Update this a.m. (Tuesday 4/1),

 

n  Phase 1 Detour in effect
 
n  Bridge work will essentially be confined to the Beacon St. East construction area

 

n  Surveyor will be working securing elevation data on points around the perimeter of the bridge, at times outside of the construction zone.  Traffic should flow unimpeded.

 

If you have questions or concerns, please call.  Thanks,  -- Paul