PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Some people in Port St. Lucie are enjoying setting their alarm clocks a little later in the morning.
The Crosstown Parkway Extension Bridge is saving people time on their morning and afternoon commutes.
The bridge, which opened to the public on Saturday, provides a new east and west route for drivers in Port St. Lucie between I-95 and US 1.
Monday was the first day for drivers to try out the new bridge during their commute to work.
Brittany Eiben and her husband own a Port St. Lucie business, Mattresses by Appointment, which they also feel will benefit from the new bridge.
“The traffic was crazy. It was insane getting here,” Eiben said.
The traffic ultimately impacted their business operations.
“I think rush hour was really difficult. We’ve had people late for their appointments,” Eiben said.
They are hopeful the bridge will change that.
“I don’t think people will be as hesitant to come out during the crazy rush hour time. I think deliveries will be easier,” Eiben said.
Eiben also timed out her drive home on Monday, using the new bridge instead of her previous route taking Prima Vista Boulevard.
“[It took] 17 minutes. It was amazing… Compared to about 35, 40 minutes sometimes."
The traffic on Crosstown Parkway also helped alleviate some of the traffic on Mike Ruggeri’s route home on Port St. Lucie Boulevard.
“There was definitely less traffic now that they’re open. But, I think it will get way better in the next week or two,” Ruggeri said.
Construction is still anticipated to last through the end of the year.
