About the project
The City of Dover, as part of the ongoing Capital Improvements Program, will redesign Lower Central Avenue between Silver Street and Stark Avenue, including replacing the existing 150-year-old water line, reconstructing the outdated drainage collection and conveyance system, as well as updating streets and sidewalks.
To assist with the project's design work, the City of Dover has engaged Sebago Technics, Inc., a consulting firm involved with Dover transportation initiatives for many years. The project will include upgrades to underground utilities, drainage systems, roadway surfaces, sidewalks, and other related infrastructure.
Lower Central Ave - Neighborhood Traffic Update
The City of Dover has received several inquiries from residents in the Jenness Street, Renaud Avenue, Birchwood Place, and Shamrock Lane area regarding anticipated traffic impacts associated with the upcoming Lower Central Avenue reconstruction project. We appreciate the community’s engagement and want to provide clear information about what to expect during construction.
Project Traffic Management
Based on the current design, construction activity will not occur on Jenness Street aside from the installation of new catch basins at the intersection of Jenness Street and Central Avenue. As a result, Jenness Street is expected to remain open to two-way traffic for the majority of the project.
During certain phases of work, temporary lane closures may be required. In these situations, one lane will remain open, with two-way traffic managed by flaggers. At this time, the City does not anticipate the need for an official detour through neighborhood streets such as Renaud Avenue, Birchwood Place, or Shamrock Lane.
Neighborhood Traffic Concerns and Navigation Apps
Residents have expressed concerns about cut through traffic in the neighborhood and have requested “Local Traffic Only” signage on Renaud Avenue and Birchwood Place. After review, the City does not recommend installing this signage at this time. Under New Hampshire statute, “Local Traffic Only” signs are not enforceable, and in some cases may unintentionally increase traffic on the very streets they are intended to protect.
It is also important to note that the City cannot control how third-party navigation applications—such as Waze, Google Maps, or Apple Maps—choose to route drivers. These platforms use their own algorithms and real time data, and the City has no ability to override or influence their routing decisions. Likewise, the City cannot mandate how individual drivers choose to reach their destinations. We will, however, continue to monitor neighborhood conditions during construction and may reevaluate signage or other measures if they become beneficial.
Next Steps and Public Participation
The project is anticipated to be advertised for bids and awarded this fall. Once a contractor is selected, the City will hold a public meeting to review the construction schedule, traffic control measures, and project sequencing. This meeting will provide an additional opportunity for residents to ask questions and offer input before work begins.
The City’s Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) has also received similar correspondence from residents and plans to discuss neighborhood traffic concerns at its September meeting, currently scheduled for September 18, 2026. TAC meetings are open to the public, and residents are welcome to attend.
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to visit the project webpage and sign up for email updates as the project progresses: Lower Central Avenue Reconstruction Project.
The City appreciates the community’s continued engagement and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Schedule
Construction is anticipated to begin the Spring of 2027 with final completion targeted for fall of 2028.
Project Area
Public meeting - Tuesday, May 19
The City of Dover held a public meeting to discuss the project on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in City Hall's Council Chambers.
Project email updates
As the project develops, the City of Dover plans regular email updates to help residents and businesses plan for the construction disruption. To sign up for these updates, visit https://bit.ly/dovernewsletters, and add "Project update "Lower Central Avenue Project Updates" to your email subscription list.
Project documents
Contact Us
Jillian Semprini, City Engineer Email
Phone: 603-516-6450