Singapore to trial scramble crossing in Joo Chiat from mid-November

Singapore's Land Transport Authority will commence a pilot scramble crossing at Joo Chiat from November 16, introducing commuters to the diagonal pedestrian crossing system popularised in Tokyo's bustling Shibuya district. The trial represents the city-state's latest effort to evaluate whether such crossings enhance safety and efficiency in local traffic conditions.

The Joo Chiat crossing will be Singapore's second scramble crossing trial, following an earlier experiment in Orchard in 2017. A permanent scramble crossing near the Lau Pa Sat hawker centre remains in operation, serving as an established reference point for the pedestrian crossing format.

Scramble crossings allow pedestrians to cross diagonally across intersections, typically during dedicated signal phases when all vehicular traffic is halted. Proponents argue the design can improve pedestrian flow in high-traffic areas while reducing conflict points between vehicles and foot traffic.

The trial will provide data on how Singapore commuters adapt to the crossing format and whether the system delivers tangible benefits in local urban contexts. Feedback from the Joo Chiat pilot is expected to inform future decisions regarding broader implementation of scramble crossings across the island.