ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg resident has concerns about a new traffic signal in downtown.

According to John Sherrard, the signal affects drivers going from 4th Street to Interstate-175. 

Sherrard has been a St. Petersburg resident for more than 10 years. Walking through downtown, he said almost feels like he missed his calling.

“When I grew up, I wished I was a civil engineer, I love fixing things,” he said. “And I can see traffic issues.”

Issues like this: The traffic signal on 4th Street north turning left onto I-175.

It used to be a flashing yelling light but now it’s red, which does cause traffic to backup more than before.

“In the past, after the green arrow, it would go to a flashing amber, where you could turn left,” Sherrard said. “Two months ago, they changed it to a red arrow and now you can’t get on 175.”

Since the signal change, Sherrard said it also can cause backups pass nearby 6th Ave during rush hour.

“Totally frustrated. All our neighbors,” he said. “We’re all frustrated. Especially in the morning.”

Officials with the Florida Department of Transportation said the signal change was made for safety reasons, due to a serious crash problem at the intersection.

They also continue to adjust the timings there.

Sherrard said he hopes a balance can be found.

“You’re stopped here. You’re stopped there,” he said, demonstrating the differences. “It’s not that hard to fix.”