Streets and Sidewalks

Streets and Sidewalks

Public Works provides the maintenance, paving, snow removal and signage for the city’s streets and sidewalks.  We also maintain curbing, and clear storm basins of debris. 

After 3:30 p.m. and on weekends or holidays, please report emergency road situations such as sinkholes and flooding to the Police Department at 799-5511, ext 8575.

 

Street Sweeping

Street sweeping helps to prevent sand and sediment, especially after winter sanding/salting operations, from getting into the City’s catch basins and drainage system, while increasing road safety for motorcycles, bicycles and others. Public Works and contracted help will sweep the entire city several times throughout the spring, summer and fall months. 

In 2023, there will not be a published sweeping schedule (we will jump around to accommodate for issues like curbside trash collection) but we will try to give updates on our Facebook page.

 

 

Paving

The paving program restores drainage and improves travel over the city’s streets. Resurfacing of streets is not done at random - the streets are first rated by our department for deterioration. Paving projects are completed utilizing Public Works crews and outside contractors, and consist of a combination of reclaiming, milling and paving.  Paving is a two-part process, with reclaim as phase 1, and overlay as phase 2. 

After phase 2 is complete, the street is placed on a moratorium list for 5 years. Streets under moratorium will require a special permit and additional fee before excavation is allowed.  For more information regarding excavation permitting, please visit the Planning Dept's page at here.

 

Potholes 

Potholes are an inevitable reality of living in New England.  If you encounter a pothole, please report it to Public Works via our Citizen Request Form or by calling our office at 207-767-7635.  It’s helpful if you can provide an address to assist with location.    When necessary, temporary repairs may be made, followed by permanent repairs as conditions permit.

Please note that per Maine state law, municipalities do not assume liability for damages sustained to a vehicle unless the pothole was reported but not repaired within the 24-hour period following the time of actual notice.

 

Posted Roads

In accordance with Title 29 M.R.S.A., §2395 and the provisions of the Maine Department of Transportation's Rules and Regulations restricting Heavy Loads on Closed Ways,  the City of South Portland may close certain roads or sections of roads to heavy loads.  

In 2023, the following roads were posted Friday, February 17 until Monday, April 3:

     Broadway, between Westbrook St and Cash Corner (Main St)

     Fickett St, from Highland Ave to the Cape Elizabeth line

     Stillman St, from Highland Ave to Sawyer St

These areas are closed, unless solidly frozen, to all vehicles or combination of vehicles except: