Statement of Purpose

We, the residents of the Citrus Springs community and concerned citizens of Vero Beach, formally petition for the immediate evaluation and installation of a full traffic signal at the intersection of Oslo Road (9th Street SW) and Citrus Springs Blvd.

Our community of 551 homes and over 1,000 residents currently faces significant hazards when entering or exiting our neighborhood. As taxpayers and active members of this county, we believe a traffic light is a critical necessity for the following reasons:

1. Urgent Public Safety Concerns

The safety of our families and neighbors is our primary motivation. This intersection has already been the site of preventable tragedies, including a fatal accident on September 28, 2018, leading to the tragic death of Susan Roberson. Many residents have personally witnessed numerous collisions and "near-miss" incidents at this specific crossing. Without a signal, left turns at the intersection remain a high-risk maneuver that endangers every driver.

2. Impact of the I-95 Interchange Expansion

With the opening of the new Oslo Road/I-95 interchange, we anticipate a massive surge in traffic volume along this corridor. This increased flow will make it nearly impossible for residents to find safe gaps in traffic, leading to extreme delays and reckless "gap-shooting" that increases the likelihood of high-speed accidents. In addition, with the new interchange at I-95, Oslo Road will likely see a surge in truck traffic, which further compounds the danger of the intersection. A signal is required now to manage this growth proactively.

3. Overwhelming Community Demand

This petition represents a unified voice. With a goal of 500 signatures, we are demonstrating that a majority of our 1,000+ residents view this as the most pressing infrastructure need in our immediate area. We deserve a safe commute and the peace of mind that our intersection is equipped with modern safety standards.

We urge the County Commission to:

• Conduct a formal Traffic Signal Warrant Study immediately.

• Allocate the necessary funding for the design and installation of a signal.

• Provide a public timeline for safety improvements at this intersection.