Junction outside i12 Katong to be turned into Shibuya-style scramble crossing for 3 months

A scramble crossing trial will take place in Joo Chiat for three months from Nov. 16, 2026, Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Member of Parliament Goh Pei Ming told CNA on Nov. 11.

The pilot at the junction of Joo Chiat Road and East Coast Road is an assessment of the initiative to see if it can be a permanent fixture.

It is part of ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety, Goh said.

A scramble crossing allows pedestrians to cross the road diagonally as vehicle movement at an intersection is stopped in every direction for a short time.

The Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan is the most famous example.

As a result, the right turn from East Coast Road towards Joo Chiat Road will be permanently restricted.

LTA told CNA on Wednesday that it will be monitoring traffic and pedestrian conditions during the three-month trial.

Waiting times for both motorists and pedestrians could be longer with the new crossing arrangement, even though it will improve pedestrian convenience and safety, LTA added.

Previous trials

Singapore previously experimented with a new scramble intersection at the junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road in December 2017 for a month.

In December 2006, a scramble intersection was tested at the junction of Bideford Road and Orchard Road for six months.

Both were temporary set-ups.