TRENGGALEK – Trenggalek-Tulungagung road repairs have begun as workers patch potholes along the national route connecting the two districts ahead of the upcoming Eid holiday travel season. Authorities started fixing damaged sections to improve safety and traffic flow on one of the region’s key transportation corridors.
Road maintenance crews were seen repairing potholes along the main road in Karangsoko Village, Trenggalek, on Tuesday. Workers used compacting tools and liquid asphalt to seal damaged sections of the road.
Despite the intense midday heat, the workers continued patching potholes to ensure motorists could travel more comfortably along the busy route.
One local driver, Cahyo, said the repairs are necessary because the Trenggalek-Tulungagung route serves as a primary connection between the two regions.
“For smooth traffic flow, road repairs are necessary, especially as we approach Eid,” he said.
The road functions as a vital economic corridor for both passenger buses and freight transport between Trenggalek and Tulungagung. Because of that, road conditions directly affect daily mobility and commercial activity.
Cahyo added that repairing potholes will improve comfort and safety for motorists using the route. Traffic volume usually rises significantly before Eid, when many travelers return to their hometowns.
If authorities leave the potholes unrepaired, the risk of accidents could increase. Drivers from outside the region may not know the road conditions and could accidentally hit damaged sections.
“If drivers from outside the area are unfamiliar with the road, they could easily fall into potholes,” said the 42-year-old driver.
Cahyo said he travels between Tulungagung and Trenggalek almost every day for work, which allows him to closely observe the road’s condition.
According to him, authorities often conduct patchwork repairs shortly before the Eid holiday. However, he believes regular maintenance should occur throughout the year.
“If potholes remain unrepaired, the road will deteriorate further, especially during the rainy season,” he said.
He also urged authorities to improve street lighting along the route. Several sections of the Trenggalek–Tulungagung road remain poorly lit at night, which could reduce visibility for drivers.
Better maintenance and lighting, he added, would help ensure safer travel for both local motorists and holiday travelers.