Traffic Calming Projects Return and Expand

From a few intersections in Portland to many across the region, traffic calming demonstration projects are becoming more visible

By Tony Zeli

Last year, West End Neighborhood Association (WENA) installed two temporary traffic calming projects in the West End along Danforth Street. It was part of a larger project with installations on Brighton Avenue, also. The goal was to protect pedestrians and bicyclists using a combination of painted bump outs and temporary flex posts to channel and slow traffic. This summer, Portland and other communities saw more traffic calming projects installed.

After their efforts last year, WENA board member Gregory Farino said the response they heard from resident pedestrians was overwhelmingly positive. “Comments have ranged from ‘this is so pretty’ to ‘thanks for your work’ and ‘this has made such a big difference.’”

This year, WENA expanded their work from two sites to five. They started by refreshing last year’s installations along Danforth Street – at the intersections of May Street and Emery Street. Then they painted bump-outs at Danforth and Fletcher Street, Park Street, and at Cushman Street and Clark Street. Also, they added a crosswalk at Park and Danforth.

To carry out these activities, WENA used volunteer power and support from partners Portland Trails, the City of Portland, and Bicycle Coalition of Maine. The West End efforts are in part funded by Maine Medical through their Caring Community Grants program.

Other Traffic Calming Efforts

This summer, the City of Portland also targeted a stretch of Washing Avenue for traffic calming efforts. Crews installed temporary safety features from Veranda Street to Ocean Avenue. A speed study along Washington Avenue found that 12 percent of vehicles exceeded 35 m.p.h. during non-peak hours. 

Further, with support from the Maine DOT and Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG), crews installed similar features in Saco on Route 1 at Thornton Academy crossing and in South Portland on Westbrook Street at MacArthur Circle West. 

Between 2017 and 2021, 92 people were killed and more than 580 were seriously injured in traffic crashes across Greater Portland, according to GPCOG. Earlier this year, in response to pedestrian deaths in Portland, local advocates installed memorial markers at intersections throughout town.

“We all need to pay more attention,” said Farino. “Through these efforts, we believe we can save lives and make the West End safer and more enjoyable for everyone.”

Farino encourages other neighborhood associations that are interested in traffic calming measures to contact WENA and work together.

The traffic calming projects are temporary. They are scheduled to be removed ahead of winter snow by November 15th.