The walk signal to cross 24th Street is now gone

UPDATE — Aug. 27, 2020

New pedestrian walk signals were installed at the crosswalk this week. The lights will now beep when it's safe to cross, beeping faster as time runs out.

Derek Scott, associate vice president of Facilities Management, says they hope to add the voice back to the crosswalk, but are still determining if it complies with code and guidelines.

Whatever the case, Scott says, the safety of the crosswalk is much improved. He noted the vehicle lane reduction, separate bike lanes, dedicated bus pullouts, new pedestrian/vehicle lane markers, as well as the elimination of the vehicle drop-off in Deglman Square. The roundabout to the south, meanwhile, will slow traffic.

Published Aug. 25, 2020

Bluejays of many eras will likely never forget it, that kind but firm voice ... 

"Walk signal to cross 24th Street is now on. Walk signal to cross 24th Street is now on. Walk signal to cross 24th Street ..."

But the walk signal to cross 24th Street is now gone.

Students returned to campus this month with the 24th Street crosswalk surrounded by construction, meaning no street traffic and no need for a light (or a voice). At the moment, pedestrians can cross the street with zero wait time.

The beautification of the 24th Street corridor will include a new roundabout and improvements to the main pedestrian crosswalk. When the project is complete, the roundabout immediately south will slow traffic and create a safer bridge to each side of campus. The project is being paid for by a mix of city funding and support from Creighton donors and friends.

Derek Scott, associate vice president of Facilities Management, says that with renovations to the crosswalk, the old voice will likely be replaced with new traffic and pedestrian signals.

Fortunately, Elizabeth Hilpipre, BA'07, had the foresight to record the signal for posterity.