Three Greater Portland communities are using paint, flexible posts and speed bumps to make busy streets safer this summer as part of a regional effort to reduce crashes and protect pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers.
The projects in Portland, Saco and Scarborough are part of the Vision Zero Greater Portland initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2045. Officials reported 29 traffic deaths and 160 serious injuries in 2025, including 12 involving pedestrians and cyclists.
“Temporary pilot or demonstration projects have grown in popularity in Maine over the past few years,” said Dakota Hewlett, active transportation planner for the Maine Department of Transportation.
“Projects like this allow municipalities to combine the power of public engagement and quick and cost-effective improvements to the transportation system directed specifically at some of the important safety goals that we all share,” he added. “These projects allow agencies to test the effectiveness and public reception of changes to roads before making a larger investment in permanent infrastructure changes.”
In Saco, crews were out on Main Street Tuesday morning, working between Cutts Avenue and Water Street. In Scarborough, work is set to start July 7 along U.S. Route 1 between Hannaford Drive and Little Dolphin Drive. A third project, on Portland’s Commercial Street between Dana Street and Franklin Street, will start at the end of July.
The changes will include mountable speed bumps and roadway paint.
Testing changes
Officials said the temporary projects will allow communities to test roadway changes before making larger investments in permanent infrastructure.
All three projects will be removed by Nov. 15 before winter.
The Greater Portland Council of Governments is coordinating the effort with local municipalities and partners, using a $637,000 federal Safe Streets for All grant with a 20% local match.
