Could you explain the difference between 通りを横断する and 道路を横切る？
Answer
Like a million other pairs of words, the big difference is that the on-yomi word of Chinese origin ([横断]{おうだん} in this case) is more formal, technical, academic, etc. than its kun-yomi Yamato conterpart ([横切]{よこぎ}る). Here. Yamato means "originally Japanese".
The same phenomenon occurs in English as well where words of Latin origin are generally considered more formal and/or technical. "converse" vs. "chat", "profound" vs. "deep", etc.
「[横断]{おうだん}する」 is the Sino loanword 「横断」 with 「する」 added to make it a verb.
「Yokogiru」 is an original Japanese word with no foreign influence. Both "yoko" and "kiru" are originally Japanese words. It should "sound" more Japanese to Japanese-learners after a few months of study.
Thus, as far as meaning, 「横断する」 and 「横切る」 are synonymous at least when talking about "crossing a street".
Finally, the original Japanese word 「横切る」 has an extra important meaning that 「横断する」 does not. It can be used when talking about "idea/thought/emotion crossing your mind". Using 「横断する」 for this meaning is simply out of the question.
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