Scramble crossing to be piloted at junction of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road
On 30 Oct, residents and business owners in Katong received a letter from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) stating that a scramble crossing would be piloted from 16 Nov.
A scramble crossing temporarily halts all vehicular traffic, allowing pedestrians to cross an intersection from every direction, including diagonally, simultaneously.
LTA will trial the crossing at the junction of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road for three months.
The aim of the pilot is to assess the crossing’s potential to improve connectivity and walkability within the neighbourhood.
Source: Dreamstime
Pilot aims to contribute to Walk-Cycle-Ride initiative
A spokesperson told MS News that LTA was exploring ways to make Singapore’s streets more pedestrian-friendly, especially for neighbourhoods with high pedestrian activity.
The trial was initiated following interest from the local community to improve pedestrian safety.
Located in front of i12 Katong Mall, the junction of Joo Chiat Road and East Coast Road is relatively small with high pedestrian activity and traffic flow.
As such, for the next three months, a dedicated pedestrian crossing phase will be introduced there to allow pedestrians to cross the junction in any direction.
During this trial, LTA will assess the potential of the new traffic arrangement to improve Walk-Cycle-Ride connectivity.
As part of the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, the initiative aims to make navigating the streets a more inclusive and comfortable experience for all, whether on foot, cycling, or taking public transport.
Source: LTA
“The trial will help us assess how such crossings improve pedestrian convenience and safety, while taking into account traffic conditions and road user behaviour,” said LTA.
Right turn from East Coast Road to be permanently closed
To facilitate the trial, vehicles travelling along East Coast Road towards Mountbatten Road will no longer be allowed to turn right into Joo Chiat Road.
In the letter, residents were informed that the change was permanent. It was intended to improve overall traffic flow.
Residents will still be able to access their neighbourhood via alternative roads.
Motorists were advised to plan their routes in advance and follow the new traffic signs on site. LTA encouraged pedestrians to use the designated crossings and follow traffic signals at all times.
During the trial period, directional signs will also be installed to guide motorists and pedestrians.
Mr Ridwan Kahar, manager of community partnership for the Southeastern area at LTA, told CNA that wardens will be deployed on the implementation day to guide motorists and pedestrians.
LTA to monitor use of scramble crossing
Currently, there is only one scramble crossing in Singapore at the junction of Robinson Road and Boon Tat Street, near Lau Pa Sat.
In Dec 2017, a scramble intersection was trialled at the junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road for a month but was not made permanent.
Ahead of the pilot, LTA anticipated some issues the scramble crossing might pose.
While the new crossing arrangement will improve pedestrian convenience and safety, it may result in longer waiting times for both motorists and pedestrians.
The spokesperson said: “LTA will closely monitor the trade-offs and assess the findings before making any further decisions.”
Source: Google Maps
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from David Montojo via Google Maps.