The busy intersection at Yonge and Dundas Streets will get a little more pedestrian-friendly on Thursday with the introduction of a so-called pedestrian priority phase.
The new initiative will give pedestrians an opportunity to cross in any direction, including diagonally, during a period when traffic lights will be red for all cars.
City Coun. Kyle Rae said he is happy the city is taking into account the interests of pedestrians, particularly at an intersection where those on foot often jostle for real estate with drivers.
"Yonge and Dundas is one of the busiest intersections in the city of Toronto," Rae, whose ward includes the intersection, said in a statement. "But with the introduction of an exclusive right-of-way for pedestrians, everyone can feel more confident of making it through the intersection safely."
Cities around the world, including New York, San Francisco, Miami, Tokyo and Auckland, have employed pedestrian right-of-way systems for years.
They are also known as scramble phases or scramble corners, as well as the "Barnes Dance," so named for Henry Barnes, the American traffic engineer who is credited with first developing the system.
The city will employ traffic assistants on site to help pedestrians acclimatize to the new system.
As well, the city will alter the timing of lights so pedestrians have enough time to cross, as well as enhance the signals that assist the visually impaired.
If Torontonians take to the stop-light scramble, it may be added to other intersections such as Yonge and Bloor Streets, Bay and Bloor Streets and Bay and Dundas Streets.
The new way of crossing the street is part of the city's plan to develop a long-term sustainable transportation strategy for the Toronto.
