Main drag in Old Orchard Beach will be closed to vehicular traffic on July 4

Old Orchard Street in Old Orchard Beach will be open only to pedestrian traffic on July 4.

The Old Orchard Beach Police Department announced that vehicles will be prohibited from using Old Orchard Street from 5 p.m. to midnight on July 4. No vehicular traffic or parking will be allowed on Old Orchard Street during this time, and barriers will be put in place at all access points to the street.

Police said in a written statement that the closure will improve pedestrian safety and security as crowds gather downtown. With the street open to only pedestrian traffic, there will be more room to accommodate the influx of visitors on July 4, said police.

Any cars parked in restricted areas will be ticketed or towed, said police.

Police chief Elise Chard proposed the road closure to town leaders as well as the Chamber of Commerce last year to improve the safety of people who come out to celebrate, according to the written statement.

Many people come to downtown Old Orchard Beach on July 4 to watch the fireworks, which will take place at 9:45 p.m. on the beach in front of Palace Playland.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.