A candidate in the race for mayor wants to open up Portage and Main to pedestrians.

If elected, Brian Bowman said he would attempt to take down the barricades at the city’s most famous intersection within five years.

But Bowman must get all of the businesses at Portage and Main on board with the idea once their leases end in 2019.

A city report earlier this year concluded adding foot traffic to the intersection could increase congestion.

Bowman is also pledging to develop a seasonal mall in the Exchange District.