PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — As Port St. Lucie experiences rapid growth, traffic concerns are mounting, especially along Southbend Boulevard, a four-mile stretch from SW Oakridge Drive to SE Becker Road.

City officials kicked off a new study to find ways to improve traffic flow and safety along the road that has just one lane in each direction and sees more than 15,000 cars a day.

“We want to continue to evaluate our roadways as we see growth,” said Beth Zsoka, who does community outreach for the city’s Public Works Department. “We want to make sure our roadways can accommodate the additional growth and keep residents safe. Safety is number one.”

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During a public meeting at Jessica Clinton Park Thursday, residents voiced their frustrations and shared ideas on how to cut down on traffic and keep cars moving.

“From the end of Southbend Boulevard to Becker (Road) is a death trap,” one woman said.

Another woman added, “We’re having a lot of trouble getting out.”

Many people complained about congestion and speeding.

“You can’t turn left, you can’t turn right because everybody’s speeding down,” said Patricia Blake, a community member. “They need to get some lights up there and more stops signs, a four-way stop.”

Bill Mancusi lives near Southbend Boulevard and drives down the road multiple times a day. He said it’s difficult to get onto the road from side streets during peak hours.

“In the early hours, like 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., it’s very difficult to get onto Southbend from the side streets. I could be there for 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and it’s very dangerous,” Mancusi said. “They’re just in a rush. They’re frustrated.”

Officials with the Public Works Department said they’re looking at all options, including widening the road, adding medians, improving lighting, and even installing traffic circles.

The project is still in the early stages, so there’s no estimated cost yet. A second public meeting is planned for the spring.

The Southbend Blvd. improvement project is expected to wrap up in the fall of 2026.