2026 Ocean Ave Sidewalk Project

10/23/26 Update: R.E. Coleman has completed paving the driveway aprons on the east side of Ocean Ave and is continuing to pour the remaining sections of concrete sidewalk on the west side of the street.

The contractor anticipates beginning improvements at the Read Street intersection late next week or the following week. To minimize traffic disruptions, the contractor plans to complete the intersection improvements one corner at a time and schedule work outside of school drop-off and pickup times. Portions of the intersection will be temporarily closed off as work progresses, with traffic directed around the active work areas. Motorists should anticipate temporary lane restrictions and possible delays while this work is underway.

Drivers are reminded to follow posted signs and traffic controls, slow down, and use caution when traveling through the work zone. Pedestrians should avoid closed sidewalk sections and use designated crossings where available.

10/16/26 Update: R.E. Coleman has completed the concrete sidewalk installation on the east side of Ocean Avenue and has removed the remaining sections of existing sidewalk on the west side of the street. A few driveway aprons on the east side still need to be paved, and the contractor is coordinating this work with their paving subcontractor.

Next week, the contractor plans to continue pouring concrete in the areas where the existing sidewalk has been removed. Upcoming work will also include improvements to the Read Street intersection and installation of foundations for the new pedestrian-activated flashing crosswalk signs near Mackworth Street and Walton Street.

9/30/26 Update: R.E. Coleman is nearing completion of the sidewalk work on the east side of Ocean Avenue and is continuing work on the west side. Two sections of sidewalk between Austin Street and Parsons Road and a few driveway sections remain to be poured on the east side.

The contractor plans to continue pouring concrete on Thursday, 10/1, and Friday, 10/2.

Cones and construction signs are being used to direct traffic around the construction. Drivers are reminded to follow posted signs, slow down, and use caution when traveling through the work zone. Pedestrians should avoid sidewalks that are closed or marked off for construction and use open sidewalks and designated crosswalks where available.

9/10/26 Update: R.E. Coleman is currently removing the existing sidewalk between Parsons Road and Chenery Street.

Weather permitting, the contractor is planning to pour concrete on Friday between Mackworth Street and Parsons Road shortly. They are continuing to remove the existing sidewalk from Parsons Road to Chenery Street. After the contractor has finished pouring the sidewalk along the easterly side of Ocean Avenue they will switch over to begin work on the westerly side of the street.

Traffic is currently reduced to one lane through the active work area, with alternating traffic controlled by portable traffic signals. Drivers are reminded to obey the temporary traffic signals and not enter the work zone on a red signal, as opposing traffic may be approaching. Parking restrictions are in effect within the work area as necessary. Typical construction hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Pedestrian access is being maintained using the sidewalk on the west side of Ocean Ave through the current work area, with pedestrians directed to use the designated crosswalks.

The detour around Chenery Street also remains in place due to the Hersey Street Sewer Separation Project, which has Ocean Ave closed between Chenery Street and Forest Avenue.

9/2/26 Update: R.E. Coleman began construction the week of August 10. They started on the south side of the Read Street intersection and have completed concrete sidewalk and driveway sections, curb ramps, and detectable warning panels in that area. They are currently removing the existing sidewalk between Mackworth Street and Parsons Road.

Weather permitting, the contractor is planning to pour concrete on Friday between Pya Road and Austin Street/Mackworth Street. The formwork in this area is ready for the concrete pour.

Traffic is currently reduced to one lane through the active work area, with alternating traffic controlled by portable traffic signals. Drivers are reminded to obey the temporary traffic signals and not enter the work zone on a red signal, as opposing traffic may be approaching. Parking restrictions are in effect within the work area as necessary. Typical construction hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Pedestrian access is being maintained using the sidewalk on the west side of Ocean Ave through the current work area, with pedestrians directed to use the designated crosswalks.

The detour around Chenery Street also remains in place due to the Hersey Street Sewer Separation Project, which has Ocean Ave closed between Chenery Street and Forest Avenue.

Project Scope
The City of Portland is upgrading the sidewalks on Ocean Ave; the east side from Chenery St to Read St and the west side from Walton St to Read St. Sidewalks will be replaced with new concrete and detectable warning panels will be added to crosswalks where there is none or damaged panels. Button activated flashing crosswalk signs will also be added at certain locations.

This project will follow Americans with Disabilities Act Regulations and Guidelines, the City of Portland's Technical Standards, and the City of Portland's Sidewalk Material Policy. This will continue the mission to connect Portland's pedestrian safe network, making it more accessible and safer.

Project Contact
Emily Bolt, PE
Senior Transportation Engineer
ebolt@portlandmaine.gov
(207) 756-8162