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The FIFA World Cup Intersection Enhancements Program is a City of Atlanta initiative funded through ATLDOT's Urban Redevelopment Agency (AURA) Bond. This initiative is a collaboration between ATLDOT, the Department of City Planning, and MOCA to coordinate 17 artist-designed crosswalk treatments and painted utility boxes at intersections along key pedestrian routes in downtown Atlanta, with the most anticipated pedestrian traffic for both World Cup visitors and Atlantans. These sites were also evaluated for safety, visibility, and scheduled update patterns.
Intersection Enhancement Locations:
FAQs:
Q. How were the artists selected?
A: The Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs issued an open call to artists in its registry, drawing more than 80 responses from creators across the city. An interdepartmental team then reviewed submissions and matched artists to intersections based on how their creative style would complement each site's character and surroundings. Sixteen Atlanta-based artists were selected, one per intersection, with one artist awarded two connecting intersections. Artists were formally contracted through the Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA).
Q: What will each intersection look like?
A: Each intersection will feature a distinctive, artist-designed crosswalk treatment using thermoplastic tiles. Many intersections will also feature a painted utility/signal box. No two intersections will look the same.
Q: Are there design restrictions?
A: Yes, all designs must comply with MUTCD standards, which govern what can appear in the traveled roadway. Designs use uniform, repetitive patterns in an earth-tone color palette and cannot include text, pictographs, logos, or 3D visuals. These guardrails ensure the art enhances visibility and safety rather than creating confusion for drivers.
Q: How does this program connect to other City investments?
A: The enhancements were coordinated alongside ATLDOT's paving and sidewalk improvement work on these corridors, minimizing construction overlap and maximizing the long-term durability of the installations. The enhanced pedestrian routes also align directly with a major downtown wayfinding overhaul led by Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), a City-supported project funded through the Atlanta Regional Commission's Livable Centers Initiative Program. That effort is replacing 20-year-old downtown signage with new smart technology kiosks and art-integrated panels that will improve pedestrian navigation to key venues. The two investments are complementary: the intersection enhancements make the routes beautiful and safe, while the new wayfinding makes them legible and connected.
Q: Has Atlanta done anything like this before?
A: Atlanta has done this before — the East Atlanta Village crosswalks and the English Avenue crosswalks are two examples of artist-designed street treatments that transformed everyday pedestrian infrastructure into community landmarks. There are several others, primarily in Midtown and Downtown.
Q: Is this a one-time program or something that could be replicated?
A: The goal of the program was developed with replication in mind. The World Cup provided a galvanizing moment, but the coordination model, permitting framework, and artist engagement process are all designed to be adapted for other corridors and communities across Atlanta. Think of this as a pilot for what permanent, arts-integrated street infrastructure can look like citywide.
Q: How long will the enhancements last, and who is responsible for maintenance?
A: These are built to last. Crosswalk treatments use durable thermoplastic tiles, a high-durability material that can last up to ten years.
