STUART, Fla. — At our Let's Hear It community meet-ups, WPTV viewers frequently bring up ongoing issues, like growth, development and traffic concerns.
WPTV morning anchor Ashley Glass listened to Bob Yago, a Stuart resident who has lived there for about 25 years.
He voiced concerns about traffic near his South River senior community. It's roughly one mile from a new Costco store.
"I don't like it," Yago said, referring to the increased traffic.
Glass followed the story, meeting with Yago at the entrance of his community to get a look at the issue.
Yago pointed out speeding and traffic volume as his two main concerns. He also said he's been contacted by local and state leaders in recent years to inquire about adding a traffic signal in front of his community.
"It's been six years, and we're still waiting for the state to put this light in," Yago said. "That's just to stop traffic for 30 seconds so we can get out of here."
Yago said a traffic signal would help drivers coming out of his community who have to cross over several lanes if they want to make a U-turn to head in the other direction on Kanner Highway.
Glass repeatedly reached out to the Florida Highway Patrol over several weeks to get answers for Yago about the possibility of a traffic signal near his community.
FDOT told WPTV that they have evaluated intersection at SW South River Driver and Kanner Highway multiple times since 2017, including last year in 2024, after community requests.
Saraana Jamraj, FDOT public information specialist, said the intersection does not meet state and federal criteria to warrant a traffic signal.
"The latest 2024 review confirmed that there has been no new development or significant increase in traffic volumes on SW South River Drive, the minor road," Jamraj said. "Volumes remain well below the thresholds required to warrant a signal. As a result, no further studies are planned at this time, and future warrants are considered unlikely unless conditions change."
FDOT pointed out safety improvements that have been made at this intersection, including 45 mph speed limit pavement markings, permanent speed feedback signs, and temporary delineators to restrict turning movements. A permanent bi-directional median is currently under construction.
The Martin County Sheriff's Office oversees traffic enforcement near the South River community.
According to the sheriff's office, over the past five years, five traffic crashes in this area resulted in minor damage but no injuries.
Deputies have conducted 23 traffic stops and issued 15 verbal warnings, six citations and two arrests in those five years.
If someone would like to request traffic enforcement in their community or neighborhood, they are urged to call 772-320-4739 to connect with the traffic unit of the Martin County Sheriff's Office.
Jamraj said residents can request a re-evaluation with FDOT if there is new development, or more traffic and crashes. Contact Mariano Amicarelli, traffic services program engineer, at Mariano.Amicarelli@dot.state.fl.us.
