by Samuel DeCoste, WGME
Updated Tue, August 4, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Commercial Street is one of Portland’s busiest sections. But for about three months, six parking spaces will be closed. (WGME)
PORTLAND, ME (WGME) – Commercial Street is one of Portland’s busiest sections. But for about three months, six parking spaces will be closed.
The Greater Portland Council of Governments is working on a traffic safety project called Safe Streets For All. It entails closing six parking spaces, including two handicap ones at the corner of Commercial and Pearl Streets, until November.
The handicap spots will be relocated across the road between Market and Silver Streets and be wheelchair-friendly.
Transportation Planning Manager Cashel Stewart says the current spaces which are closed violate a city ordinance.
“This is really a safety measure in the sense that pedestrians needs to be visible when they’re trying to enter the crosswalk. That’s been a real issue along commercial street where there are a lot of crosswalks that don’t have pedestrian-activated buttons,” Stewart said.
Stewart says there is a city ordinance that requires parking spaces be at least 20 feet away from a crosswalk, so drivers don’t back in to a person on a crosswalk.
The spaces are covered by bollards, and some have picnic tables and planters for beautification.
The spaces are not closed for good. But if traffic data shows that it makes commercial street safer over the next three months, the city could make it permanent.
“We tried to look at the parking spaces that were out of compliance with the city’s ordinance to be 20 feet removed from the crosswalk. Those were the parking spaces we identified. Those are the ones we are temporarily removing until November 15,” Stewart said.
The project will cost between $30,000 and $50,000. Stewart says there will be a chance for public input in September.