Old Orchard Beach Police are Advising the Community and Visitors 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 is advising the community and visitors that Old Orchard Street will be closed to vehicular traffic on July 4 to increase safety during this busy holiday. on the Fourth of July to increase safety for those celebrating and traveling into town.

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. 

The area will be open to more pedestrian traffic to accommodate the influx of visitors. The department has seen success in the road closure changes, as last year, there was a significant decrease in vehicular traffic and delays. 

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 in the surrounding area 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 and/or towed. 

Chief Elise Chard proposed the change to Town leaders, including the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce, last year to improve the safety of all those who come out to celebrate. 

Residents and visitors are reminded to follow all posted detours and traffic signs. 

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

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