Winnipeg looking to test scramble crossing in Exchange District

A City of Winnipeg committee is proposing a scramble crossing pilot project at King Street and Bannatyne Avenue, pictured on Feb. 26, 2025. (Glenn Pismenny/CTV News Winnipeg)

A Winnipeg committee is recommending an intersection in the Exchange District be used to test a scramble crossing in the city.

The public works committee is recommending that the scramble crossing pilot project be set up at the intersection of King Street and Bannatyne Avenue.

Scramble crossings see all directions at an intersection receive a red light, allowing pedestrians to cross in all directions, including diagonally in some cases.

The report said the crossings are appropriate for areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, low vehicle volumes and many nearby destinations.

According to the report, the public services committee prefers an option without diagonal crossing, and plan to implement it this year.

Results on the pilot project will need to be reported back in 2026.

Last year, the committee attempted to create a scramble crosswalk in Osborne Village at River Avenue and Osborne Street, but it was rejected by Public Works, who said the location was not suitable.

The matter will be discussed at the next public works committee meeting on March 4.