In a significant move for traffic management in Port St. Lucie, the City Council has unanimously approved a $1.5 million redesign of the intersection at Village Parkway and Tradition Parkway. This decision, made during a council meeting on a Monday night, aims to tackle long-standing traffic issues that have plagued the Tradition community for years. The approved redesign comes after considerable input from local residents during a public workshop held in August, where community feedback was instrumental in shaping the final plan.
The redesign includes a host of improvements, such as the addition of a third lane for straight traffic, the extension of eastbound left turn lanes, and the creation of a new dedicated right turn lane. Additionally, the city is planning to relocate its most-used bus stop to enhance traffic flow and implement drainage improvements along Tradition Parkway. These changes are expected to significantly enhance safety and efficiency at this busy intersection, which has been identified as one of the top 10 locations for red light cameras by police as of November 2025.
Community Involvement and Safety Concerns
Community involvement has played a crucial role in the planning process. The design firm DRMP revised the initial proposals based on feedback from residents, ensuring that their concerns were heard and addressed. Notably, safety has been a paramount issue, particularly following a serious incident in June 2024 involving a 14-year-old bicyclist. Since 2020, the intersection has recorded over 2,035 traffic violations, highlighting the urgent need for improvements.
The selected design, presented by Alia Awwad, the head of the traffic planning group at DRMP, was deemed the best option among three proposed designs. It represents a significant investment in infrastructure aimed at improving both vehicle and pedestrian safety in the area.
Implementation Timeline
The project is set to go out to bid in June, with construction anticipated to begin in August. To minimize disruption for drivers, council members are considering overnight work schedules. Additional funds have already been allocated in the budget to accommodate these plans, demonstrating a commitment to swift and effective action in addressing the community’s traffic woes.
The final design work is expected to be completed within the next four to six weeks, paving the way for this much-needed upgrade to a critical intersection in Port St. Lucie.
The Role of Urban and Traffic Planning
This redesign is a prime example of how urban and traffic planners work together to create sustainable and efficient transportation systems. Urban planners are responsible for the spatial development of cities, focusing on integrating ecological, social, and economic factors to ensure a balanced approach to city growth. Meanwhile, traffic planners concentrate on designing efficient traffic systems, conducting analyses, and developing strategies to enhance safety and reduce reliance on motor vehicles. The collaboration between these two fields is vital for addressing the challenges of urban growth and the mobility transition.
Ultimately, the improvements at Village Parkway and Tradition Parkway will not only enhance traffic flow but also contribute to a safer, more accessible environment for all residents. This intersection’s redesign stands as a testament to the power of community feedback in shaping local infrastructure and the ongoing efforts to make Port St. Lucie a better place to live.
For further details on this project, visit CBS 12 News and Port St. Lucie Talks.