Powell Street and Christie Avenue Pedestrian Safety Changes Add Head Start for Emeryville Crosswalk Users

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — The city is using new traffic-signal controls at the intersection of Powell Street and Christie Avenue to reduce conflicts between people crossing the street and vehicles making turns.

What changed at the intersection

According to the City of Emeryville’s August 18, 2026 project update, the southbound Christie Avenue approach received an electronic No Right Turn on Red / Yield to Pedestrians sign and a 10-second leading pedestrian interval. That interval allows people walking across the intersection to start before drivers receive the corresponding green signal.

The city also described a similar treatment planned for the eastbound approach in October. That was a projected installation date; the August notice alone does not verify that every planned component had been completed by October 31.

Why this intersection is a priority

Emeryville identified Powell and Christie as a location of concern through its Active Transportation Plan and Local Roadway Safety Plan. The city reported that approximately 60 percent of pedestrian collisions citywide occurred while a person was crossing at an intersection crosswalk, supporting changes that reduce turning conflicts.

The intersection also appears on the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s list of priority safety locations, with public attention dating back at least to 2016.

What road users should do

Pedestrians should continue to obey signals and look for turning vehicles, even when given an early walk indication. Drivers must obey posted turning restrictions and yield to people using crosswalks. Temporary traffic-control changes may occur as signals are adjusted or maintained.

Residents can review the official project update and report any signal malfunctions through city channels.

Source: City of Emeryville, Powell/Christie Quick-Build Pedestrian Safety Improvements Active, August 18, 2026. No third-party images reproduced.

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