Rising Safety Concerns in Port St. Lucie
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Safety issues at a bustling intersection in Port St. Lucie have led locals to demand action from city authorities. Residents in the Oak Hammock community, including Shar’Ronnie Ervin, are voicing their alarm over the Crosstown Parkway and Congo Street intersection, citing frequent accidents and hazardous traffic conditions.
Ervin, a 20-year resident of the Oak Hammock area, shared her worries with WPTV’s Tyler Hatfield at a local gathering. “I feel like I’m taking a risk of my life, and my child’s life, every time I go out in the morning,” she expressed. Port St. Lucie police have reported 20 accidents at this site since 2022, validating Ervin’s fears. She personally experienced an accident there in 2016.
Challenging Traffic Maneuvers
Residents face considerable hurdles navigating the intersection. According to Ervin, drivers encounter difficulties when attempting to make a left turn onto Crosstown Parkway heading west. This maneuver involves crossing three lanes of dense traffic to reach the median, often resulting in drivers being caught in a waiting loop to complete their turn. “There will be three cars sitting in the median trying to make their way across,” Ervin described. “That’s very dangerous.”
Proposed Solutions and City Response
Ervin proposed the installation of a traffic light as a potential solution, a measure already implemented in other neighborhoods along Crosstown Parkway. “We have the most traffic,” she noted. “And we don’t have a light.” Despite contacting the city in 2023, no actions have been taken yet.
A city representative responded to these concerns, stating that the Public Works Department is reviewing the intersection for necessary improvements. These enhancements are to be scheduled based on funding availability from the city’s capital improvements and mobility master plans. Residents seeking immediate intervention are encouraged to utilize the city’s 1PSL program to request traffic assessments, accessible through an app, at CityofPSL.com/1PSL, or by calling 772.871.1775.
Requests for new traffic signals undergo a thorough evaluation by the city’s traffic operations team, which includes a feasibility study. This assessment considers various factors such as traffic volume, accident frequency, and proximity to other signals.
Awaiting City Action
City officials acknowledge the public’s concerns and are in the process of identifying the best strategies to improve safety at this problematic intersection. However, any planned enhancements will depend on available resources and comprehensive planning.
Residents continue to express their concerns, anticipating tangible measures from the city to reduce accidents and ensure a safer commuting experience for all.
Port St Lucie Talks
