AUBURN, Ala.- Starting July 7, people will have a new way to cross the street at Toomer’s Corner.

The City of Auburn will test a new traffic pattern at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue that will let people cross in any direction, including diagonally, while all vehicle traffic is stopped. This “X-crossing,” or “pedestrian scramble,” is designed to enhance pedestrian traffic flow and safety during the crossing cycle. The X-crossing is often used in areas with heavy foot traffic, allowing pedestrian traffic to clear in one crossing cycle. This allows vehicles on College Street, and then Magnolia Avenue, to move freely on green prior to the next pedestrian crossing, which will only occur when someone has hit a crossing button.

When the X-crossing phase begins, all vehicle traffic (including cars and bicycles) will get a red light. At the same time, pedestrians will get a walk signal in all directions. Pedestrians can then cross straight across the street or diagonally to the opposite corner. Once that phase ends, vehicle traffic resumes as normal, and pedestrians wait for the next X-crossing signal. Vehicles will not be allowed to turn right on red to allow pedestrians to cross.

City traffic engineers will closely monitor the intersection and make changes if needed to help traffic move smoothly. Drivers and walkers are asked to be careful and patient during this trial period as we work to enhance safety and accessibility downtown.

For updates, follow the City of Auburn on social media @CityofAuburnAL or visit auburnal.gov.

FAQs

Q: How will this impact vehicular traffic?
A: Traffic on College Street will get the green light first followed by traffic on Magnolia Avenue. Pedestrians will not be allowed to crossing during either vehicular cycle to allow traffic to flow freely. After the Magnolia Avenue traffic cycle, all pedestrian approaches will get a walk signal (triggered by a crossing button), allowing them to clear in one crossing cycle.

Q: Will the pedestrian cycle run even if there are no pedestrians waiting to cross? 
A: No, the pedestrian cycle will only run if someone has pressed a button to trigger the pedestrian cycle.

Q: How will pedestrians and vehicles know what to do?
A: Signage will be installed to let pedestrians know they can cross in any direction and to let drivers know no right turns are permitted when the light is red.

Q: I'm on a bike. What do I do?
A: Bicyclists should continue to follow the rules of the road, which means they should follow signage posted for vehicular traffic. If bicyclists would like to use a crosswalk, they should dismount from their bike and walk the bike across the intersection during the pedestrian crossing cycle.

Q: I'm a pedestrian. Can I cross following the flow of traffic when there is a green light? 
A: No. Pedestrians will only be allowed to cross during the pedestrian cycle when the pedestrian signals show the walk sign. This helps traffic flow freely without drivers having to wait on pedestrians in the middle of the crossing.

Diagram showing the new "X-crossing" or "pedestrian scramble" at Toomer's Corner.