RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – Traffic flow on the Southern Cross Road (Jalan Lintas Selatan/JLS) in Tulungagung has experienced a volume increase of up to 20 percent during the Christmas and New Year holiday period through the end of the year.
This vehicle density is predicted to persist along the routes leading to coastal tourist attractions throughout the JLS within the Besuki District until the peak of the 2025–2026 New Year transition.
The surge in traffic on the Tulungagung JLS is triggered by high public activity as residents take advantage of the holiday momentum to visit various beach destinations.
The wide array of beach options along the Tulungagung-Trenggalek JLS, which have become increasingly popular and sought after by tourists, has caused vehicle volumes heading toward the area to rise significantly, particularly during specific hours.
The Head of the Traffic Unit (Kasatlantas) of the Tulungagung Regional Police, Police Commissioner Assistant (AKP) M. Taufik Nabila, explained that the increase in vehicle flow has been visible since specific dates.
According to him, the spikes in traffic occurred on December 24 and 26, while the peak density is predicted to take place on December 30 and 31.
“For the return flow, we estimate an increase between January 2 and 3,” he explained.
According to the Head of the Traffic Unit, the increase in vehicle volume during the holiday period is estimated to reach 10 to 20 percent compared to normal days.
The area remains a critical point for potential congestion, specifically the JLS access routes to coastal tourist destinations.
“The JLS remains a congestion-prone area because destinations from Gemah Beach to Prigi Beach and other coastal areas are currently increasingly popular with the public,” he stated.
As of Saturday (Dec 27), traffic flow on the Tulungagung-Trenggalek JLS was observed to be steady and smooth. Although there has been an increase in vehicle volume, it has not resulted in gridlock or severe congestion.
“Compared to last year, there has actually been a decrease in vehicle flow and visitors to the JLS Tulungagung beaches. Last year was busier,” he revealed when confirmed yesterday (Dec 27).
Regarding plans to implement a one-way system on the JLS, the police will apply it situationally.
“The possibility of a one-way system exists, similar to last year. If density occurs, we will enforce it. However, if the flow remains smooth, we will not implement it,” he added.
Meanwhile, to anticipate crowds during New Year’s Eve in the urban areas, the Tulungagung Regional Police Traffic Unit has prepared traffic engineering plans, particularly for the city center.
“On New Year’s Eve, there will likely be activities at the Town Square (Alun-Alun) and the Sports Center (GOR). For that reason, the Town Square area will be completely closed. Traffic flow from the west, east, and the south (JLS) will be diverted,” explained AKP Taufik.
Regarding the readiness of supporting routes, AKP Taufik emphasized that other paths on the JLS, such as those toward Popoh Beach and Brumbun Beach, cannot yet be utilized.
“The Brumbun JLS is still in the paving stage. Similarly, the JLS route toward Popoh is not yet connected and is also undergoing paving. Therefore, they are not yet open to the public,” he concluded.
The Tulungagung Regional Police Traffic Unit urges the public to remain cautious and obey traffic regulations while traveling during this year-end holiday period.