TULUNGAGUNG – Hundreds of potholes have severely damaged a major road connecting Cuwiri intersection and Karangrejo in Tulungagung. Residents now warn that the deteriorating road conditions could trigger serious traffic accidents if authorities fail to carry out permanent repairs soon.

A field inspection on Monday found at least 593 potholes scattered along the busy route. The damaged asphalt stretches across several sections of the road and forces motorists to maneuver carefully to avoid deep holes.

Many residents believe overloaded trucks have caused the road surface to collapse over time. Local communities previously attempted temporary repairs using sand and filling materials. However, heavy rain and large vehicles quickly destroyed those patchworks.

Warti, who uses the route daily, said the condition has become increasingly dangerous for drivers and motorcyclists.

“I pass this road every day. The damage stretches very far, and many potholes are extremely deep,” Warti said.

She also highlighted the lack of street lighting between Cuwiri intersection and Karangrejo. According to her, poor visibility at night increases the danger because drivers often fail to spot large potholes ahead.

“At night, the road becomes very dangerous because there are almost no lights. Sometimes we cannot see the deep holes in front of us,” she added.

Another resident, Mia, criticized the emergency repairs that authorities and residents previously carried out. She said the road quickly breaks apart again because heavy trucks continue using the route every day.

“They filled some holes with sand and other materials before, but the potholes returned very quickly because large trucks keep passing through,” Mia said.

Similar concerns came from Jumaidi, who urged local authorities to take immediate action. He described the road as a vital access route for residents in Kauman and nearby areas.

“We hope authorities carry out total repairs instead of temporary patchwork because the potholes have become too dangerous,” Jumaidi stressed.

Motorcyclists currently need extra caution while traveling along the damaged road. Many drivers compare the experience to navigating an obstacle course because potholes cover almost the entire route.

Residents now urge the Tulungagung administration to prioritize major road repairs before the worsening conditions claim lives.