Old Orchard Beach Police Advise Community that Old Orchard Street Will be Closed to Vehicular Traffic this July 4 to Increase Safety

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The Old Orchard Beach Police Department would like to advise the community that Old Orchard Street will be closed to increase safety for those celebrating and traveling into town this year on the Fourth of July. 

In an effort to improve pedestrian safety and security as crowds gather downtown to celebrate the Fourth of July, and to improve traffic flow, Old Orchard Street will be closed in its entirety from 5 p.m. until approximately midnight. No vehicular traffic or parking will be allowed on Old Orchard Street. 

Chief Elise Chard proposed the change to Town leaders earlier this year to improve the safety of all those who come out to celebrate, especially in light of several incidents that have recently occurred around the country. The change will also open Old Orchard Street to even more pedestrian traffic, with the hope that it will also be a boon for local businesses. The Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce was also consulted about the change.

“I believe this change will alleviate a lot of the traffic issues we have faced in the past, as people want to drive through the downtown to find a place to park during the fireworks each year. Those individuals often pour out of side streets and onto Old Orchard Street, causing major delays and requiring a large number of officers on traffic details to help manage the traffic,” said Chief Chard. “This will not only improve pedestrian safety, but enable us to push traffic out of downtown and toward the Turnpike, Saco and Scarborough much more easily and safely.”

In order to facilitate the closure, fixed barriers will be put in place on the following streets to block vehicle access to Old Orchard Street:

• East Grand Avenue
• West Grand Avenue
• Miliken Street
• First Street
• Portland Avenue
• Seavey Street
• Veterans Square

All businesses on Old Orchard Street will remain open during the closure, and all parking lots will remain open and accessible. 

Motorists needing to access affected areas will be able to do so by checking in at designated access points located at:

• East Grand at Walnut Street
• West Grand at Atlantic Avenue
• First Street at Staples Street
• Miliken Street at Imperial Street

All residents and visitors should note that any vehicles parked within restricted areas will be ticketed or towed. 

Anyone with questions is asked to call the Old Orchard Beach Police Department at 207-934-4911, the Old Orchard Fire Department at 207-934-4926, or the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce at 207-934-2500.