PSL considers buying Crosstown Homes due to noise
Port St. Lucie (treasurecoast.com)- Noise along certain stretches of Crosstown Parkway is so bad that the city is contemplating buying some people’s homes.
The City Council Monday discussed results of study that found 22 locations along the 8-mile roadway to have noise levels just under the Florida Department of Transportation noise-abatement criteria threshold of 66 decibels.
The Crosstown Parkway Bridge took over 40 years to build, cost roughly $91 million and opened September 2019. The entire parkway connects Interstate 95 east to the intersection of U.S. 1 at Village Green Drive.
In response to resident complaints, the noise study was conducted Sept. 15-Oct. 14 and Feb. 18-Feb.22.
Some solutions proposed by the City Council included; adding landscaping enhancements to act as a sound barrier; putting radar-feedback signs along the Crosstown Parkway bridge; increasing law-enforcement along Crosstown Parkway; and offering to pay for hurricane-proof windows to weatherize and soundproof some homes.
Additionally, some residents complained about how the intersection of Crosstown Parkway and Floresta Drive, known as the “super street,” prevents northbound and southbound Floresta traffic from continuing straight across Crosstown or from turning left. Instead, all traffic must turn right, then make the next U-turn.
In response to complaints about the “super street,” Oravec suggested sending the issue to referendum and having the voters decide if they want to make it a traditional intersection or not.
“The only reason why I think this should go to referendum is because it’s been such a contentious issue,” Oravec said. “It wasn’t rolled out properly, and would be hugely expensive to change. Honestly, I think the majority of voters, will reject it because they will see the the time and expense involved.”
The noise study, conducted by KCI technologies for roughly $93,500, found residents near the road are experiencing the buzz of traffic, revving car engines, loud motorcycles and the roars of modified car mufflers, mostly in the early morning and late evening.
However, “Fridays and Saturdays are horrendous” as cited in KCI technologies presentation to the council Monday. People headed to the beach are primarily to blame on weekends, according to the report.
While the Police Department will increase its presence along Crosstown Parkway, which some have referred to as an “illegal speedway,” it also plans on cracking down on individuals with illegally modified exhaust systems.
Oravec said the city should consider buying some homes along Crosstown Parkway where noise levels were found to exceed 60 decibels.
