When you live as close to Port Everglades as some Harbordale residents do, it’s reasonable to expect a little traffic spillover from one of the country’s busiest entry points. But that doesn’t always make it easier to live with.

“Traffic is a double-edged sword, because it’s caused by our commercial success,” said Harbordale resident Donna Mergenhagen.

The Harbordale neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale is bound on the west by Federal Highway and on the east by the Intracoastal. On its northern edge is Davie Boulevard, and to the south is Hollywood. The area includes ambitious retail spots along the 17th Street Causeway, at least up to the bridge over the Intracoastal.

To limit motorists cutting through the neighborhood, residents have petitioned the city for unique speed cushions, which are three small cushions made of rubber and polyurethane that allow emergency vehicles to drive around them.

So far the city has installed cushions in several areas, but the Harbordale Association has requested the city study the possibility of adding more, association president Marilyn Mammano said.

“Every time Port Everglades has an upsurge, the traffic affects us,” she said. “It’s difficult enough to get through the intersection of Southeast 17th Street and Federal Highway. Cars and trucks from the port make things worse.”