Scram!

Something about this picture is about to change. As reported by Spacing's Wire this morning, new signal lights due to start working about a month from now will be the first sign of a new type of intersection in Toronto. It’s known as a “scramble intersection,” because traffic from both directions is periodically stopped at once, allowing pedestrians to cross whichever way they want. Turning cars will no longer have to compete with pedestrians, but the main advantage is to the pedestrians themselves, who—while they may have to wait longer for their turn—will be able to cross diagonally instead of waiting twice. Pedestrians also won't be bothered by cars turning into their midst while crossing. The most iconic intersection of this type is its busiest incarnation at Shibuya in Tokyo (perhaps best known to Westerners for its... [read full story]