The developer of Illuma, a new mall across from Bugis Junction, has started work on an overhead bridge linking it to the Bugis Junction side of the road by year-end.

Pedestrians have long complained about being stuck in a small strip of space on the divider when crossing the road.

When pedestrian-crossing lights turn red, up to about 40 people can be held up in the 6m by 2m traffic 'island'.

'I usually try to walk as fast as I can. I don't want to be stuck in the middle and wait under the hot sun with a big group of people,' said fine arts student Candice Lee, 21, who passes by the area at least three times a week.

The human crush at the road divider has become worse with Illuma - causing some to, quite literally, stop in their tracks.

The mall's unusual design and flashy light display that runs on its exterior are causing pedestrians to slow down or even stop to take pictures while crossing the road.

'It's quite annoying. People end up walking slowly and hold up the crowd,' said sales assistant Danny Teo, 27. 'Or they don't look at where they are going and others have to avoid them. It can be quite dangerous.'

Not all thought the act was as serious though.

Said Ms Chen Kailing, 34, a restaurant manager who was spotted taking pictures with her mobile phone while standing on the island: 'I think if you do it when the lights are red and people are all standing still, it is not a problem.'

Read the full story in The Sunday Times today.