Pedestrians and drivers will be part of a four-week experiment beginning this week in downtown Tempe.

The city will begin a pilot project Wednesday, March 8, at the Fifth and Mill intersection for an all-pedestrian crosswalk phase.

The city describes how it works:

While the ‘all-pedestrian’ crosswalk phase is activated, pedestrians are able to cross in any direction, including diagonally. During this phase, all vehicular traffic will be stopped, including all right-hand turn movements.

Conversely, while vehicles are moving through the intersection, pedestrian crossings will not be permitted. To help simplify the process, right-hand turns on red will not be allowed during the pilot period.

Cyclists must dismount their bicycles to use the crosswalk. If they do not dismount, they are considered a vehicle and will need to follow all traffic laws, including stopping during the pedestrian crossing phase.

City officials said to help ease the transition, representatives from Downtown Tempe Authority will be on-site intermittently to help.

“‘All-pedestrian’ crosswalks are employed in areas with mixed-use developments and a high amount of foot traffic in an effort to improve traffic flow and separate pedestrians and vehicle movements,” city officials said in a release.

If the pilot project proves a success after four weeks, Tempe may consider making the ‘all-pedestrian’ phase a permanent feature, officials said.

During the pilot phase, a survey will be available online at tempe.gov/forum where pedestrians and motorists can comment on their experience.

The crosswalk implementation is part of the Downtown Tempe Refresh improvements coming to Mill Avenue.