The timing could hardly be worse for Old Orchard Beach businesses.
A significant water main break on West Grand Avenue near the Mount Royal Motel forced road closures, traffic detours, and disrupted access to one of the busiest sections of the resort town on Thursday evening—just as thousands of visitors were expected to arrive for the community’s weekly fireworks display.
According to the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, the break occurred on West Grand Avenue near the Mount Royal Motel, prompting officials to immediately close the roadway to through traffic from Old Orchard Street.
Police said vehicles are being diverted at the intersection of West Grand Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, with only local business traffic permitted beyond the closure. Motorists are being urged to avoid the downtown area while crews work to fix the damaged water line.
The closure comes during the height of Old Orchard Beach’s tourism season, when restaurants, hotels, shops, and attractions rely heavily on Thursday evenings to generate revenue. Thursday nights are among the busiest of the week as visitors flock to the beach, Palace Playland, and the town’s popular fireworks display.
Some businesses were already feeling the impact within hours of the break. The Brunswick restaurant and hotel closed early because of the water main leak, highlighting the immediate economic consequences for businesses dependent on the short but critical summer season.
While emergency crews work to restore service, police are asking residents and visitors to use alternate routes and avoid the affected section of downtown whenever possible.
Town officials have not yet released an estimated timeline for completing repairs or fully reopening West Grand Avenue. Officials are expected to provide additional updates as work continues.
Editor’s note: The water main was repaired in time for the Brunswick to reopen for the fireworks presentation, though with limited services and no food available.
