THE Bao’an District Transportation Bureau recently adopted channelization at the intersection of Xinhu Road and Yintian Road in Xixiang Subdistrict in order to solve traffic problems, including heavy traffic flow and unreasonably long intersection wait times.

The bureau not only set up new pedestrian islands at the intersection, but also improved the traffic facilities, such as signs and markings. The move has optimized traffic efficiency, greatly promoted the safety of pedestrians and nonmotor vehicles, and increased the volume of right-turning vehicles.

Before the transformation, pedestrians were frequently seen running red rights at the intersection. According to an on-site measurement, the one-way four-lane road is 44.2 meters long. More often than not, the walk signal would turn red before the pedestrians had gotten halfway across the street.

To tackle this problem, the bureau decided to set up a pedestrian island on Yintian Road, dividing the crosswalk into two sections to enable pedestrians two chances to cross the road. The practice has greatly increased pedestrian safety, especially for children, the elderly and the disabled.

At present, the channelization of the intersection has been completed, and it has not only promoted the construction of an urban pedestrian system, but also improved the traffic flow and efficiency of the crosswalk.(Zhang Yu)